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OUR KEYSTONE
OAK TREES

QUERCUS LOBATA - Valley Oak Tree
is the keystone species in the Central Valley of California
and as such, has been chosen as our signature plant to represent
our club's dedication to the conservation of native plants in California.

valley oak trees on hill

KEYSTONE PLANT
"A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically or cease to exist altogether."

2 oak tree acorns

California is home to more than 20 native species of oaks, including several that are found nowhere else on Earth.

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The Valley Oak grows into the largest of North American oaks.  They grow in hot interior valleys of California where there is a water table within reach of the roots; growing quickly reaching 20' in 5 years; 40' in 10 years and up to 60' in 20 years. Mature specimens may attain an age of up to 600 years.

 

 As keystone plants, oaks support vast amounts of insects, which in turn support myriad other creatures.  They directly provide food and habitat for birds., mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.  For instance, it is likely that up to 151 butterflies use the oaks as a host plant.

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If you are planting an oak tree, make certain it's native to your region.  Non-native oaks don't support the same kind of robust biodiversity as native species.

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For more detailed information on Valley Oaks including care, pruning, water needs, etc.  visit:

https://californiaoaks.org/oak-tree-care/

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