The UC Hopland Research & Extension Center is host to twelve species of oaks of the Quercus genus. Some are in tree form, such as Blue Oak (Quercus Douglasii), some are shrub form, such as Leather Oak (Quercus durata). Of these twelve species found at the Center, four are deciduous (lose their leaves in winter) such as Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), seven are evergreen such as Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizini), and one, the Oracle Oak (Quercus morehus) is semi-deciduous, losing some leaves but retaining about half for the duration of the winter.
Fall rains have added moisture to the landscape, many times resulting in an early-morning fog layer at lower elevations. Here you see a photo, from this morning, of sun-rays penetrating an oak canopy. UC-HREC has been and always will be a focal point for learning and discussion about oaks and a drive up University Road always provides aesthetically pleasing views of oaks.
