There are two species of red oak in the U.S., the northern red oak (Quercus rubra), which is found in the northeast, and the southern red oak, also called the Spanish oak, (Quercus falcata), which is found in the southern U.S. Neither species of red oak naturally occurs in California.

Perhaps the reference to red oak in the Santa Maria Valley is to one of the members of a group of oaks (Lobatae) within the genus Quercus that are referred to as red oaks. Include in this red oak group (Lobatae) is the coastal live oak (Quercus agrifolia) that is common in the Coast Range, including the Santa Maria Valley.

Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Glenn M. Kottcamp

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