GARRY OAK
quercus garryana
- also known as Oregon White Oak, Garry's Oak, Post Oak, White Oak
- according to legend, carrying an acorn would help preserve a youthful
appearance
- oaks were sacred to the god of thunder
- named for Nicholas Garry of the Hudson's Bay Company
- the Latin for oak is 'quercus'
UNIQUE FEATURES:
- only native oak in British Columbia
- slow growing
- leaves turn brown in the fall so are not particularly colourful like
other oaks
- many birds, small mammals and insects use the oak as their home
LOCATION:
- southeastern Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands
- isolated areas in the lower Fraser Valley
- in open parkland and meadows
SIZE:
- up to 20 metres in height
FRUIT:
- small (3 cm long), sweetish acorns with a shallow, scaly cup
LEAVES:
- glossy, bright green on the upper side
- the under side has red to yellow hairs and is paler in colour
- 5 to 7 deep lobes
- gall wasps often cause bumps on the leaves
BARK:
- thin, greyish-black
- scaly with shallow grooves and broad ridges
WOOD CHARACTERISTICS:
- beautiful grain, difficult to season without warping
USES:
- traditional - wood: combs, digging sticks, fuel; acorns: roasted or steamed for food