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