Quercus chrysolepis Liebm. Canyon Live Oak or Maul Oak
Evergreen, native to the west coast of N. America from southern Oregon along the coastal ranges of California at altitudes to 2,800m (9,000ft). The strong hard wood has been used for making agricultural tools. Rare in collections. A small tree or shrub not normally reaching more than 18m (60ft) in height, but spreading to as much as 45m (150ft) in width. Flowers appear in late May, the females are in the young leaf axils. The acorns grow up to 3.7cm (1½in) long. The specimens shown are not fully ripe; the acorns will grow much longer and extend further from the cup. The leaves may have smooth margins as in the flower photograph or holly-like as in the acorn photograph. They are 2.5-9cm (1-3½in) long. Z7.