Quercus john-tuckeri

Identification

Gallery

Description

(syn. Q. Turbinella californica, see also Q. dumosa, Q. wiz.fru., Q. durata and Q. Alvordiana) Another confusing scrub oak. Probably a form of this is native on both nursery sites, but the taxonomy is so suspect good luck figuring it out. The differences between this subspecies and all forms of Quercus dumosa/ berberidifolia and some of Q. durata are tautological, inconsequential and about as petty as a dissertation can be. McMinn in 1939 stated (Several varieties of this species(Q.dumosa) have been described, but the characters used in attempting to distinguish them fail when specimens collected throughout the range of this polymorphic species are examined.) They commonly merge into like forms. The extreme forms can be separated easily, the common ones(you know, the ones with acorns) you might as well throw a dart at the key. So you are buying the best guess. Don't yell at us, scream at the petty little ivory tower types that never go into the field. This form is an evergreen tree to 15-20 ft.. Native to inner coastal areas of central Calif. On through the desert edges. A tough, small tree, ideal for smaller gardens.This one is native 5 miles from us(maybe even on both sites, according to how you tilt the key you are using). The leaf is green with sharp little teeth and some fuzz on the stem.