Leather Oak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leather Oak |
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| var. durata | |
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Quercus
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durata
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The California scrub oak, also known as leather oak, is a special type of oak tree. It is found only in California, which means it is an endemic plant there.
This oak is usually a small, evergreen shrub. It sometimes grows up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) tall. However, it is often much shorter. Its leaves are usually cupped, not flat. They have a thick layer of tiny, branching hairs on the underside. This makes the leaves feel like soft felt.
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Where the California Scrub Oak Lives
One type of California scrub oak, called Quercus durata var. durata, grows in very specific places. It is found only on serpentine soils. These soils are special because they come from serpentine rock.
You can find this oak in the Coast Ranges and the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. It often grows as part of a plant community called chaparral that thrives on serpentine soils.
Uses of the California Scrub Oak
The California scrub oak is a useful plant. It is sometimes planted in cities as an urban tree. People also use it as a medicinal plant.
Images for kids
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Leather oak leaves.jpg
Leathery texture of leaves
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Juvenile Quercus durata acorn.jpg
A young acorn
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Mature Quercus durata acorns.jpg
Mature acorns
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Quercus durata.jpg
Shown with Garrya buxifolia
See also
In Spanish: Quercus durata para niños
