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Saturday, August 2, 2014

Quercus castaneifolia - Chestnut leaved Oak

The Chestnut leaved Oak is a rarely seen deciduous oak in Santa Cruz. They are large deciduous trees growing 50-75 feet tall developing a broadly conical habit with ascending lateral branches. The only one in our area has been topped due to power lines.



The deciduous leaves are alternate, simple, oblong to elliptical, uniform triangular lobes with an occasional tooth on the lobes, 4-8" long, dark green upper surface and lighter lower.






Stems olive green, ridged. 



Bark is mostly smooth reddish brown in color.



Misidentification:
Can't think of anything, unless you don't know true chestnuts….

Location:
Soquel
3550 N. Main St