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Fagaceae
Oak Family

The Fagaceae in western Washington is represented naturally by only one common species, Quercus garryana, Oregon white oak; one other member, Castanopsis chrysophylla, occurs rarely in western Washington. In addition, the eastern US species American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is commonly used in landscaping. All members of the Fagaceae have separate male and female flowers, but typically individual trees have both. The male flowers are very small and in catkins; the female flowers are tiny, paired or clustered, and resemble the acorns they will become. Both male and female flowers lack petals. Oaks in the cool temperate zone are deciduous (although many oaks in the warm temperate zone of California and the southeastern US are evergreen), and generally have pinnately-lobed leaves. In the "black/red oak group," these lobes have sharp points whereas in the "white oak group," to which Oregon oak belongs, these lobes are rounded. In winter, oaks can be recognized by the many buds crowded at the tips of the twigs.

Quercus garryana

OREGON WHITE OAK

Fagaceae

In fertile open sites, Oregon white oak grows to be a 25 m tall, heavy-limbed tree. It is typically found in dry sites that have been kept free of conifers by fire.