Dull bluish-green leaves are widest above the middle; LA Arboretum, Los Angeles, CA. 7-05-09. © Joan Avise

Engelmann Oak

Quercus engelmannii

These trees grow 15-50ft. at maturity, with the largest in the state growing to
78' in Pasadena.  They are drought-deciduous to evergreen, and can live over 350 years. The leaves typically persist until they are replaced by new growth in the spring.  This oak is also resistant to fire.  One of the best examples of
an undisturbed Engelmann oak landscape in California is at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve in Riverside County.  Engelmann oaks hybridize with scrub and Muller oaks.

Native to California and Baja California, included in the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants on list 4.2 (limited distribution). 7th Edition / 8th Edition

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Crown of old tree. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, Riverside Co., CA. 3-01-09. © Joan Avise
Underside slightly paler than upper side of leaf; LA Arboretum, Los Angeles, CA. 7-05-09. © Joan Avise

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, Riverside Co., CA. 3-01-09. © Joan Avise
Thick bark is resistant to fire; LA Arboretum, Los Angeles, CA. 7-05-09. © Joan Avise

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, Riverside Co., CA. 3-01-09. © Joan Avise
Main Divide N, 1.65 to 2.3 mi. NW Hwy 74, 6-22-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Main Divide N, 1.65 to 2.3 mi. NW Hwy 74, 6-22-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.
SR Plateau, Vernal Pool, Trans Pr., Hid Vly., Los Snts Tr., 3-27-14. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Grnt Loop, Waterline, Vista Grande Tr., SR Plateau, 3-27-14. © Ron Vanderhoff.
Grnt Loop, Waterline, Vista Grande Tr., SR Plateau, 3-27-14. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Vista Grande Trail, Santa Rosa Plateau 3-28-10. © Ron Vanderhoff.
Vista Grande Trail, Santa Rosa Plateau 3-28-10. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Quercus berberidifolia x engelmannii, per Roberts, Hobo Cyn., 1-25-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.
Quercus berberidifolia x engelmannii, per Roberts, Hobo Cyn., 1-25-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Quercus berberidifolia x engelmannii, per Roberts, Hobo Cyn., 1-25-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.
Quercus berberidifolia x engelmanii, Oak Flats, San Mateo Wldns., 3-27-16. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Quercus berberidifolia x engelmanii, Oak Flats, San Mateo Wldns., 3-27-16. © Ron Vanderhoff.
Quercus berberidifolia x engelmannii, per Roberts, Hobo Cyn., 1-25-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Quercus berberidifolia x engelmannii, per Roberts, Hobo Cyn., 1-25-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.