Its sunflower-like blossoms face the sky like golden platters of pollen and nectar, which are constantly swarmed by minute sweat bees, fluttering skippers, and other insects.

The California Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia) is an under appreciated, compact oak species that provides huge habitat value while also fitting into smaller yards. California is home to over 20 species of oak. This includes the towering valley oak, which can grow up to 100 feet tall, as well as our ubiquitous and majestic coast live oak. But did you know we have a variety of small, shrub-like oaks as well?