Photographed 8/13/2007, Carl S. English, Jr. Botanic Gardens, Seattle, Washington, copyright © 2007, Ian Barclay.

Family: Fagaceae Native to: Southwestern US and Mexico in montane forest Dimensions: Tree to 40 - 50' tall Cold resistance: hardy to at least -15°F, possibly lower Drought resistance: good, but grows faster with irrigation Key Features: easy care broadleaf evergreent tree with silver-backed leaves, highly desirable Uses: ideal street tree, specimen tree for garden or large lawn, easy and adaptable. Description: We can't come up with enough wonderful descriptive terms for this beautiful, versatile, and undeservedly rare evergreen tree. Not only is it our favorite oak, we think it is about everyone's favorite oak who has seen it! Native to the "sky islands" of the Southwest, its distinguishing feature is grey-green leaves backed with beautiful white indumentum that appears as silver when they shimmer in the wind and shine brightly when the sunlight hits them. It also has an appealing habit, growing into a rounded tree of 40' or so over time, and it is moderately vigorous. It will grow in dry or irrigated gardens, but should be in full sun (or nearly) for best results. We rate this to -15°F, but in one instance it endured -22°F in Denver without significant harm. Try it in Spokane!

Photographed 9/9/2006, Seattle, Washington, copyright © 2006, Ian Barclay.

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