Oregon Oak
Quercus garryana
Also known as Garry Oak, Oregon White Oak, Brewer Oak
Climate Match for your location
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Oregon oak is a native deciduous oak with a broad, spreading crown and distinctive lobed leaves that turn golden-brown in fall. Highly drought-tolerant and slow-growing, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils.
Why grow it
Oregon oak is among the most drought-tolerant native oaks for the Pacific Northwest and tolerates shallower, rockier soils than many alternatives. Its slow growth habit and moderate mature size (typically 40-60 feet) make it suitable for sites where faster-growing oaks would quickly outsize the space. The species establishes a deep root system once established, reducing long-term irrigation needs compared to moisture-dependent deciduous trees.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first 2-3 growing seasons, despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. This oak is susceptible to several oak diseases and pests common in its native range, including oak wilt and certain canker diseases in stressed conditions, so site selection and avoiding wounding are important preventive steps. Established trees may take several decades to reach full size and form, so patience is required when using this species in landscape planning.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Oregon oak is a native deciduous oak with a broad, spreading crown and distinctive lobed leaves that turn golden-brown in fall. Highly drought-tolerant and slow-growing, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Oregon Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Oregon oak is among the most drought-tolerant native oaks for the Pacific Northwest and tolerates shallower, rockier soils than many alternatives. Its slow growth habit and moderate mature size (typically 40-60 feet) make it suitable for sites where faster-growing oaks would quickly outsize the space. The species establishes a deep root system once established, reducing long-term irrigation needs compared to moisture-dependent deciduous trees.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first 2-3 growing seasons, despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. This oak is susceptible to several oak diseases and pests common in its native range, including oak wilt and certain canker diseases in stressed conditions, so site selection and avoiding wounding are important preventive steps. Established trees may take several decades to reach full size and form, so patience is required when using this species in landscape planning.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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