Interior Live Oak Quercus wislizenii
Interior live oak is a common evergreen tree through the coast ranges. A rounded shape from 30 to 65 feet tall its branches often spreading as far as the tree is tall and often low to the ground. Leaves are 1'-1/2 to 3 inches long and vary in shape a great deal. The acorns are an important food source for numerous animals.
The photos of leaves above and below come from different branches of the same tree. Notice the distinct difference: leaves above have an entire margin (smooth with no serrations) while the photo below has leaves with a serrated edge and sharp spines. The leaves are within two feet of one another.
Leaves and acorns of the Interior Live Oak. The acorns take two years to mature.
As with most oaks of California, the Interior Live Oak was an important food source for many native peoples. Many native animals depend on acorns as a critical source of food.
This photos shows the bark of medium age tree. Young tree will have a smooth grey bark, while older trees will have a rougher and more furrowed bark.