Quercus chrysolepis - CANYON LIVE OAK

$12

A beautiful and majestic tree native to Oregon and California, this is the Pacific Northwest's answer to the live oaks of the East Coast (Q. virginiana), only perhaps not quite as big. With deep green, glossy, holly-like evergreen leaves and smooth bark, it is an ideal specimen tree for large spaces, or small spaces if you don't mind having a lot of shade in 100 years. And really it doesn't grow that fast, so you needn't worry about the potential 50' size right away. It will thrive on any average to well-drained soil. Perfectly drought tolerant in the Pacific Northwest, irrigation should be kept to a minimum once established as this has occasionally been known to result in snow breakage. It is so easy to grow that one has to wonder whether it would succeed on parts of the Eastern Seaboard. Hardy to -10 to -15°F.

Quercus garryana [Sequim] IB382 - OREGON WHITE OAK New Fall 2011!

$10

Also called Garry oak, this is one of Washington's most special native trees, and the only oak species native to Washington and British Columbia. Although its distribution is now reduced mostly to drier areas west of the Cascades, it is thought to have been more widespread in the past when our climate was warmer and drier. It's deciduous, with dark green leaves, and has a lot of character: its habit is certainly very rugged and may even be described as "creepy" if you're easily spooked! In gardens it is not difficult to grow, but it is very slow and needs good drainage and sun. Although completely drought tolerant once established, plenty of summer water will dramatically improve its growth rate. After a great many years it may reach 60' with greater spread. This collection is from local Sequim seeds, where what used to be an oak prairie is now mostly lost to development and agriculture. Hardy to -20°F or below.

Quercus hypoleucoides - SILVERLEAF OAK

$16

We can't come up with enough wonderful descriptive terms for this beautiful, versatile, and undeservedly rare evergreen tree. Not only is it our favorite oak, we think it is about everyone's favorite oak who has seen it! Native to the "sky islands" of the Southwest, its distinguishing feature is grey-green leaves backed with beautiful white indumentum that appears as silver when they shimmer in the wind and shine brightly when the sunlight hits them. It also has an appealing habit, growing into a rounded tree of 30' or so over time, and it is moderately vigorous. It will grow in dry or irrigated gardens, but should be in full sun (or nearly) for best results. Hardy to -10°F.

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