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Oak Woodland

A lush forest scene with tall oak trees, green leaves, moss, and undergrowth, under a clear blue sky.

Oregon White Oaks dominate these woodlands and may support an open to moderately shrubby understory. Over thirty percent of the canopy shades the ground, but still filter light allowing oak seedling germination. These woodlands are found on low elevation slopes and on drier flat terrain. Oaks provide multiple benefits to wildlife such as acorns for food or cavities for nesting. Douglas-fir is a common invader that can overtop and shade the oaks resulting in conversion of oak woodlands to conifer forest.

 

Flora

Oregon white oakBlue wildrye
Small camasPacific blacksnakeroot
Poison-oakCommon snowberry
Sword fernThin-leaved peavine

 

Fauna

Key at-risk species associated with oak woodlands include:

Acorn woodpeckerChipping sparrow
Slender billed nuthatchWestern gray squirrel
Red-legged frogs