Oregon Oak
Quercus garryana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus garryana (Oregon Oak) is a drought-tolerant native oak tree found in California, Oregon, and Washington. This deciduous oak blooms in April and May, supporting native bees and beetles.
Oregon Oak (Quercus garryana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Oregon Oak is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
180"–600" H × 180"–600" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A deciduous tree native to western North America with distinctive lobed leaves and acorns. It grows slowly but can reach impressive heights of 15-50 feet with equal spread, offering substantial shade and wildlife habitat. Its spring catkins give way to acorns that mature in the fall.
Growing Oregon Oak
Grow Oregon Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Oregon Oak takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size exceeds most residential front yard scales
- Leaf drop creates seasonal maintenance needs
- Slow growth means decades to reach aesthetic maturity
Wildlife value
Host plant for California Hairstreak, Mottled Duskywing.
This oak supports numerous wildlife species including bees and beetles that visit its spring flowers. The acorns provide crucial food for birds, squirrels, and other mammals.
Common questions
- Where does Quercus garryana naturally grow?
- Oregon Oak is native to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington, where it grows in oak woodlands and savannas.
- When does Oregon Oak bloom?
- Quercus garryana produces flowers in April and May, with inconspicuous wind-pollinated catkins appearing as new leaves emerge.
- What pollinators visit Oregon Oak?
- While primarily wind-pollinated, Oregon Oak flowers attract native bees and beetles that feed on pollen and help support local insect communities.
- How much water does Quercus garryana need?
- Oregon Oak is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering and thriving in low to moderate moisture conditions typical of its native Mediterranean climate.
- Is Oregon Oak toxic to dogs?
- Oregon Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Oregon Oak toxic to cats?
- Oregon Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Oregon Oak toxic to livestock?
- Oregon Oak is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Oregon Oak HOA-friendly?
- Oregon Oak takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Oregon Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz