1. Rangelands of North America
OAK Woodlands
Global Rangelands Project

2. https://commons. wikimedia
Global Rangelands Project

3. California Oaks Savannas Texas and Oklahoma Oak Woodlands
Three major regions:
California Oaks Savannas
Texas and Oklahoma Oak Woodlands
Live Oak
Shinnery Oak
Midwestern Oak Woodlands
Wrangle.org
Global Rangelands Project

4. Characteristics of Oaks
Oaks included deciduous and evergreen species.
Oaks are defended by tannins which can be poisonous in spring
Low forage value
High wildlife value (cover and acorns)
Nearly all oak sprout from base - thus can be difficult to control
Generally fire-tolerant but…
fire changes stand structure
Oaks do not survive very cold winters
Global Rangelands Project

5. California Oak Climate
Mediterranean Climate
Dry season averages 6 months
Distinct north-south moisture gradient
Climate Map:
San Jose, California
Global Rangelands Project

6. Topography Generally flat with gentle slopes Some steeper slopes
Atanamir,commons.wikimedia.org
Oak Woodlands Topography:
Global Rangelands Project

7. Major Plants
Oak trees are in the genus quercus which includes about 600 species
And hybridization is common
Global Rangelands Project

8. Major Plants – California Oak Woodlands
Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii)
Most drought tolerant
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni)
Chamise
Foothill Pine
Blue Oak
Blue Oak:
Coast Live Oak:
Coast live oak
Global Rangelands Project

9. Major Plants – Texas & Oklahoma
Post Oak
Live Oak
Shinnery Oak
Global Rangelands Project

10. Major Plants – Midwest White oak Burr oak Black oak
Global Rangelands Project

11. Current Plant Communities
California Oak Woodlands
Tree and shrub species are similar to historic communities
Understory is dominated by introduced annual grasses
Annual grasses include soft chess, ripgut brome, wild oats
Few natives
Plant Communities:
Wrangle.org
Global Rangelands Project

12. Long-Term Trend
Fire is a natural part of oak-woodland ecosystems and a driving force behind vegetation change.
Protection from fire and grazing results in a gradual increase in shrubs
increased fuel loads increases potential for crown fires
Global Rangelands Project

13. Global Rangelands Project

14. Virtual tour
Global Rangelands Project