What is the oak valley?
Valley Oak, also known to its scientific name Quercus lobata and commonly called White Oak or Marsh Oak, is the kind of oak that comes from California and grows mainly in this state. It is a deciduous tree, which means that it sheds leaves every year and is the largest oak species origin from North America. Mature samples can reach up to 98 feet (about 30 m) high with a trunk with a diameter of 6.5 to 10 feet (about 2 to 3 m).
The valley oak is thus named because it usually grows in valleys and foothills and is an important part of the local ecosystem. Its wood has brown colors and prone to damage to the mushroom and insect raking. For this reason, it is rarely used to process wood or construction.
The oak bark in the valley is gray or tin colored with deep combs. Its leaves are 2.5 to 4 inches (about 5 to 10 cm) long, deep lobby, dark yellow green top, pale gray green under and velvety inward. The tree blooms in March to April and produces acorns in autumn. The acorns are about 2 inches (5 cm), with a dirty tip; A mature oak of the valley can produce up to 1 ton (about 907 kg) of acorns per year. In the past, these acorns were commonly harvested by the native Americans in the region.
The oak valley can tolerate hot, dry years and cold, wet winter and is resistant to 7 ° F (about -13 ° C), but does not grow well in shaded areas. This tree prefers growth in rich soil and often occurs along the river because it requires good access to groundwater; Regular floods also provide soil more nutrients. Valley Dub is a valuable species in its local location. Its extensive root system helps control erosion in areas susceptible to floods and the tree is a source of food for deer; They eat other native animals and birds such as California Ground Squirrel, Scrub Jays and Acorn Woodpeckers.
This tree can be spread from gathered gastrics, but mustbe planted early after they become ripe because they will not germinate if they are stored for a long time. It is also best to grow acorns from local trees, as they can be better adapted to local conditions. Seedlings can be grown in containers or planted in the ground and must be regularly connected so that the soil does not dry.