Quercus vaccinifolia, Huckleberry Oak

A native from 3,000–9,000 feet in Southern Oregon, California, and Nevada, this is an evergreen groundcover/shrub oak. The catkins in May are like sprays of beaded filaments in orange and gold; later the light green and then brown acorns are conspicuously ornamental - not what you were expecting on a low shrub. Leathery, small and wavy, occasionally toothed grey-green leaves grow densely. This is a beautiful and very useful plant. Handsome, no doubt, but also terrific at stabilizing banks; it loves a slope! And easy - no summer water preferred. Several wildlife species, birds included, enjoy the acorns. It is vaguely reminiscent of Huckleberry, thus its name. Add it to your chaparral collection.

Mature size: 1-5 feet T x 1-10 feet W depending on conditions