(Quercus chrysolepis)A
Family: Fagaceae

Description
Evergreen tree with a short trunk and large spreading horizontal branches, with a broad rounded crown. It is sometimes shrubby. The height is 20–100 ft. (6–30 m). The diameter is 1–3 ft. (0.3–0.9 m) or more. Leaves are 1–3 in. (2.5–7.5 cm) long, 0.5–1.5 in. (1.2–4 cm) wide. They are elliptical to oblong, short-pointed at the tip and rounded or blunt at the base. They are shiny green above, with yellow hairs or becoming gray and nearly hairless beneath. Bark is light gray and nearly smooth or scaly. Acorns are 0.75–2 in. (2–5 cm) long, and are variable in size and shape.

Habitat
In canyons and on sandy, gravelly, and rocky slopes. Found in pure stands and in mixed forest. Non-native to New Mexico

Discussion
Considered by many to be the most beautiful of the California oaks. The dense, hard wood was used in the past for farm implements, wagon wheels and axles, and mauls and wedges for splitting wood.