Endemic to the valleys of California, European settlers were reminded of home when they first saw this noble oak with its deeply lobed leaves. Thriving in areas with hot dry summers and cool wet winters, it is adaptable to a range of soil types, and even copes with brief periods of inundation. Its dull green leaves are aromatic and turn from yellow to light orange in autumn. This extremely long lived oak has thick deeply furrowed bark and produces large, long acorns. Frost and drought tolerant. Its brief period of dormancy, re-leafing in August, is a distinguishing feature from other deciduous oaks. Fast growth rate.