Q. lobata - Valley Oak

Also called California White Oak; this is a large tree living up to 600 years and fast growing. It is native to the central Valley of California where unfortunately the draining of groundwater to below 70 feet has killed thousands of mature trees. Otherwise it is very hardy and is NOT prone to Sudden Oak Death. Vigorous when young; it can reach 20 feet in 5 years; 40 feet in 10 years; 60 feet in 20 years and mature to a massive domed heavy set tree of over 100 feet in height. It is one of the worlds largest Oaks and some have approached heights of 180 feet with widths of 100 feet and trunk diameters up to 14 feet. It has been reported to grow to 90 feet in England but does not grow in the central and Eastern U.S due to its dislike of humid summers. The leaves reach up to 7 x 3.3 inches and are glossy dark green above and pale downy beneath with broad rounded lobes. The fall color is yellow to orange fading to brown late in the fall. Acorns are long ( up to 3 inches ) and pointed. The thick bark ( up to 6 inches thick )is light gray and broken into square plates. Prefers soil PH from 4.5 to 8. This tree grows far better on sites where there is no lawn and has total weed control beneath. It should not be watered in the summer once established and fungicides or insecticides should not be used near it. This is truly a Mediterranean climate tree typified by wet winters and dry summers. It is hardy from zone 7 to 10 ( unconfirmed reports from 5 - 6 )