Description

Valley oak grows in a variety of plant communities from Redding to Orange County. Its range includes several of the Channel Islands. It thrives with plenty of sun and subterranean water, which explains its preference for valley bottoms. In the right setting, the valley oak grows rapidly. For many years the form will be vase shaped with a straight columnar trunk. Over time the crown expands and the enormous tortuous branches arch in every direction. The bark is silver gray and deeply furrowed. The winter leaf drop reveals the inner structure of the twisting branches which is obscured by foliage for the rest of the year. Quite a sight on a winter day! The valley oak is said to be the best oak for wildlife.