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Quercus lobata

Quercus lobata Née

Valley Oak

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

Synonym(s): Quercus hindsii, Quercus lobata var. argillara, Quercus lobata var. insperata, Quercus lobata var. turbinata, Quercus lobata var. walteri

USDA Symbol: QULO

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Valley Oak is a large, majestic, deciduous oak, up to 70 ft. or more, with huge, wide-spreading limbs. The massive trunk, broad crown and weeping branches make a picturesque, vase-like form. Leaves, with rounded lobes, are deep-green above, paler below. Large, handsome tree with stout, short trunk and large, widely spreading branches drooping at ends, forming broad, open crown.

Valley Oak is the largest of the western deciduous oaks and a handsome, graceful shade tree. This relative of the eastern White Oak (Quercus alba L.) is common through California's interior valleys. Acorn crops, often abundant, are consumed by many kinds of wildlife and domestic animals, especially hogs. California Indians roasted these large acorns and also ground edible portion into meal which they prepared as bread or mush.