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Oaks of California
Oaks of California , the first book ever devoted to the state's native oaks, celebrates the unique place of these trees in California's natural and cultural heritage. Winner of the 1992 Benjamin Franklin Award for best "Regional" book, this title continues to be the definitive popular guide to California's most emblematic tree species.
- GenresNatureScienceNonfiction
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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About the author
Bruce M. Pavlik
4 books4 followersBruce M. Pavlik, Professor of Biology at Mills College, is coauthor of Oaks of California and California's Changing Landscapes: The Diversity and Conservation of California Vegetation."
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 20, 2025
When people think of California trees, they probably first consider the mighty Redwood, which looks down upon the golden state with god-like regard. But the tree that most of us live with, and which only recently has received its due worth, is the wonderful Oak tree, that producer of all those acorns. The reason the Oak tree has become more noteworthy is because it is being wiped out across the state, thanks to Sudden Oak Death, a disease that has been difficult to control. This book focuses upon each species of Oak that grows in California, so the average resident and lover of nature can admire the uniqueness of our resilient friend.
As a homeowner who once had Oak trees in my backyard (I moved, they’re still there), I can truthfully state that I didn’t realize there are so many different species of California Oaks. My yard had two Coast Live Oak trees and three Valley Oak trees. The town I lived in was an Arbor town, so there were also other Oaks around the area, including Black Oak. The one species I particularly adore is the Blue Oak, which is the one you may have seen if you’ve ever visited the inland area of Santa Barbara. It looks tremendous when silhouetted against a blue sky and green grass.
The book also provides a section on acorns, which also helps you determine the species of Oak. I used to take one third of my acorns and give them to a wildlife rescue center, where the baby animals enjoyed eating them. Another third was collected for the wild deer who would visit my front yard, while I left the remaining third to the squirrels and woodpeckers. Inevitably, I would come across caches of acorns which a squirrel had forgotten. The raccoons also loved the stashes, uncovering them and then washing them in the pond. It made me appreciate the diversity of my yard and the way it affected nature.
California used to be a savannah of Oaks, but over-development has destroyed much of the native Oaks. A good lesson is NOT to build where there should be forests of Oaks, as the recent Los Angeles fires taught those-who-will-not-listen. This is an excellent book with a splendid bibliography and research to help the rest of us preserve and appreciate our beloved Oak tree.
Book Season = Year Round (nature interdependence)
As a homeowner who once had Oak trees in my backyard (I moved, they’re still there), I can truthfully state that I didn’t realize there are so many different species of California Oaks. My yard had two Coast Live Oak trees and three Valley Oak trees. The town I lived in was an Arbor town, so there were also other Oaks around the area, including Black Oak. The one species I particularly adore is the Blue Oak, which is the one you may have seen if you’ve ever visited the inland area of Santa Barbara. It looks tremendous when silhouetted against a blue sky and green grass.
The book also provides a section on acorns, which also helps you determine the species of Oak. I used to take one third of my acorns and give them to a wildlife rescue center, where the baby animals enjoyed eating them. Another third was collected for the wild deer who would visit my front yard, while I left the remaining third to the squirrels and woodpeckers. Inevitably, I would come across caches of acorns which a squirrel had forgotten. The raccoons also loved the stashes, uncovering them and then washing them in the pond. It made me appreciate the diversity of my yard and the way it affected nature.
California used to be a savannah of Oaks, but over-development has destroyed much of the native Oaks. A good lesson is NOT to build where there should be forests of Oaks, as the recent Los Angeles fires taught those-who-will-not-listen. This is an excellent book with a splendid bibliography and research to help the rest of us preserve and appreciate our beloved Oak tree.
Book Season = Year Round (nature interdependence)
February 2, 2018
A wonderful and informative examination of California oaks and their associated landscapes and habitats. We really need to cherish this native resource and preserve what remains. Highly recommended.
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March 5, 2024What a fantastic book! I find it hard to find good books about plants that don't just relate back to humans. This book is full of interesting info and worth buying as a reference for where to find different types of California Oaks.
February 27, 2020
Beautiful photos and fantastic information. Moved to the Sierra foothills a year ago and am surrounded by these gorgeous trees. Such a treat to learn more about them.
September 12, 2008
This is a beautiful book -- full color throughout -- and a very informative reference to the oak species of California. I picked it up at the library because I wanted to identify the oak trees that have been growing in my back yard for the last few years. I had suspected they were Valley Oaks, and now I have definitively identified them as such.
Upon reading this book, I learned how threatened this species was. I had thought it still common, but I learned that I live in one of the reserve areas for the species. The Valley Oaks used to dominate California, but because they occupied the premium flat ground, they got torn out for building and agriculture. Valley Oaks, and the other oak species, are tremendous, awesome trees. I savor every leaf of growth on the ones in my yard. They are so incredible. They grow through terrible drought, can live for hundreds of years, and attain huge sizes. They are a wonder.
Upon reading this book, I learned how threatened this species was. I had thought it still common, but I learned that I live in one of the reserve areas for the species. The Valley Oaks used to dominate California, but because they occupied the premium flat ground, they got torn out for building and agriculture. Valley Oaks, and the other oak species, are tremendous, awesome trees. I savor every leaf of growth on the ones in my yard. They are so incredible. They grow through terrible drought, can live for hundreds of years, and attain huge sizes. They are a wonder.
August 17, 2008
This is an excellent book that helps the reader sort through the myriad of oaks in the California landscape. It gives details of habit (characteristic growth patterns of each species) as well as what kind of terrain favors each and what other plants are associated with each. There are sketches of acorns and leaves (each oak has several types of leaves at different levels among dense layers). I carry it along in the car when we travel and read it at intervals. It's not a sit down and read from front to back book, but a good reference and go-to book for when you have a question. I recommend it to both plant enthusiasts and artists who are attempting to depict the California landscape.
November 9, 2013
Very good guide to California's nine oak tree species and the shrubby oaks too. Includes fine descriptions and photographs of each species, a history of oaks' relation to humans in the state, descriptions of animal and plant species associated with oaks, a comparative chart of the different species' acorns, and so on. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2016
I can't count the number of times that I have checked this book out the library before actually buying my own copy. Now, I can make notes in it! Detailed, easy to access information, about the numerous types of oaks in this fine state. Excellent book.
December 15, 2009
My personal springboard into the study of native plants and ecology, in general. Wonderful book with incredible photographs. So very important to know your surroundings intimately!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews