The plant prefers a climate with moderate temperatures and is typically found at altitudes ranging from low to high. It thrives in a variety of environmental conditions and is adaptable to different climates and altitudes.
## Common Name: Californian live oak
Quercus lobata, also known as Californian live oak or valley oak, is the largest of the western hardwoods, reaching heights of up to 36 meters. It produces acorns that were traditionally used for flour by Native Americans, and its timber is considered fair to poor in quality. The acorns of Q. lobata have different food values compared to cornmeal and wheatflour, with varying levels of water, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and tannin content.
Quercus lobata
United States
Additional Information: - Quercus lobata, commonly known as Californian live oak or valley oak, is the largest of the western hardwoods. It can spread up to 10 meters and grow as tall as 36 meters. - The tree produces a good crop every third year, with one recorded instance of a single tree yielding a tonne of acorns in a year. - The acorns of Quercus lobata were used by Native Americans for making flour after roasting. Some acorns of this species have low tannin content. - The timber of Quercus lobata is generally considered fair to poor in quality. - A comparison of food values between Quercus lobata acorns (leached and unleached) and rival foods showed variations in water content, ash content, fat content, protein content, carbohydrate content, and tannin content. Please refer to the table for the detailed comparison of food values.
- Well-drained soil - Deep soil - Sandy soil - Loamy soil - Clay soil
The largest of the western hardwoods, spreading 10 m and growing up to 36 m tall. A good crop can be expected every third year (one tree was recorded as having yielded a tonne in a single year). The acorns were used for flour, by the Indians, after roasting. Some acorns are almost tannin free. The timber is considered fair to poor.
Comparison of Food Values of Q. lobata Acorns with Rival Foods (Expressed as %):Based on Smith
Cornmeal | Wheatflour | Q. lobata Leached | Q. lobata Unleached | |
Water | 12.5 | 11.5 | 11.34 | 8.7 |
Ash | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.29 | 2.0 |
Fat | 1.9 | 1.0 | 19.81 | 18.6 |
Protein | 9.2 | 11.4 | 4.48 | 5.7 |
Carbohydrate | 74.4 | 75.4 | 62.02 | 65.0 |
Fibre | 1.0 | 0.2 | 2.06 | |
Tannin | - | - | - | 6.63 |