Quercus john-tuckeri - Tucker's Oak

Quercus john-tuckeri grows to be a small tree, an excellent atribute in a tree for many smaller gardens. Tucker's Oak often tops out at 10 to 15 feet tall, in harsh conditions often consderably less. Quercus john-tuckeri is one of a complex of species that were once called Scrub Oak. Quercus john-tuckeri has grey bark, small thick spiny grey leaves and long acorns with a thin cap. Quercus john-tuckeri is native to the foothills of the Coast Ranges, Sierra Madres, Tehachapis and San Gabriels, going from central California into the margins of the Mojave. Quercus john-tuckeri is easily shaped and can be quite sculptural. I like using these small trees as a miniature forest. Quercus john-tuckeri is found below the elevations that heavy snowfall typically occurs. Quercus john-tuckeri is exceptionally drought tolerant and is often found in areas where drying winds and south exposures stress other plants quite a lot. In the near desert areas Quercus john-tuckeri is found on North exposures. Quercus john-tuckeri is a host for the Mournful Duskywing and Hedgerow Hairstreak butterflies and the Western Tussock Moth Caterpillar.

The other oaks featured on this site:
Quercus agrifolia * Coast Live Oak
Quercus berberidifolia * Scrub Oak
Quercus douglasii * Blue Oak
Quercus durata * Leather Oak
Quercus garryana * Oregon White Oak, Garry Oak
Quercus kelloggii * Maple Leafed Oak
Quercus lobata * Valley Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii * Chinkapin Oak