California Valley Oak
Quercus
lobata
These can grow to a hundred feet in height with an equivalent
spread. This tree is being very carefully measured by Brandon who
happens to have an arm span of exactly six feet. This tree has a
circumference of ~21ft and a radius of about 40". Annual growth
rate is 1/8" in a good year and 1/30 in a bad. If this tree has
seen only good years it is more than 300 years old, or maybe 500, as
this location is relatively good. One can easily notice that the
hills behind are well grazed and no offspring are apparent here.
Whenever we find a tree like this has dropped a few acorns we will
carry some off and plant them along our trails. This actually
works and there are now hundreds of new oaks hidden in the chaparral
and rocks. Without our amature efforts there would be far fewer
new oaks and this grand variety would be underrepresented. But it
is clear to even us that we must appear to be treehuggers...
crossed view, click to enlarge, save to view
