Quercus vaccinifolia

Habit: evergreen oak that grows erect or prostrate, growing low to the ground, and can form dense thickets. The bark is smooth and the dull grayish green leaves are oblong and thick, with margins usually entire, sometimes with a few shallow teeth. Flowers are yellow catkins, and fruit is a round to oval acorn, green when young and dark brown when mature. Blooms in early spring.

Ecology: found on southern exposed slopes and ridges in montane-chaparral to sub-alpine forests from 3000-9000 ft (900-2800 m) in Southern Oregon, California, and Nevada

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, in rocky well-drained soil.

A variety of wildlife species, including black bear, mammals, rodents and bird species, use the acorns as a food source. Huckleberry oak is an excellent choice for erosion control on steep slopes.