Finding Sanctuary in Evergreen Oaks

The oak tree: not interested

in cherry blossoms.

• - Matsuo Basho

This garden celebrates evergreen oak trees from around the world, trees of such beauty and resilience that they certainly qualify as "plants for the future".  Some are near-natives, found throughout Oregon, California, and Mexico, and find themselves right at home a little further north.  Others come from other Europe and Asia.  Many of these trees can be seen around the City of Seattle, one good place to see some of the oldest specimens is at the Ballard Locks.

I grouped the trees into three zones -

Xeric - capable of withstanding long periods of drought and heat.  Many of these species will actually suffer with water during hot summers.

Mesic - comfortable with periods of drought, but benefitting from some water.

Hydric - these are species which come from areas which receive summer rainfall.  However, there are fantastic trees at the UW Arboretum which are well established and receive no summer irrigation.

Plant List:

Xeric:

• Quercus chrysolepis ‘N Fork’

• Quercus greggii

• Quercus suber

• Quercus rugosa ‘Bonfante’

Mesic:

• Quercus hypoleucoides

• Quercus rugosa

• Quercus canbyi

Hydric:

• Quercus rhysophylla

• Quercus myrsinifolia

• Quercus phillyroides

More information about the trees and plants can be found at Cistus Nursery's website, out of Portland, Oregon.