Quercus alvordiana

A tree form of scrub oak. A semi-evergreen tree to 15-20 ft.. Native to inner coastal areas of central Calif.. A tough, small tree, ideal for smaller gardens. It is fast compared to blue oak. We have had it grow 2ft. a year. It grows in areas that normally get 7-12 inches of rainfall that falls almost entirely in the winter, leaving 8 months of hot weather each year for these trees to survive through. I have worked on jobs where this tree is native. During winter months during a normal rainfall year, the ground is dry even when it is raining. The top 1-2inches gets wet but the ground is dusty at 12inches deep even in Feb.. This one is native 5 miles from us. The leaf is grey-green with a little lobing and some bristling. http://www.laspilitas.com/groups/oaks/california_oak1.html