This picture shows the contorted trunks and branches of a group of Garry Oaks (Quercus garryana) in a canyon alongside the Dufur Mill Road on the east side of Mount Hood, Oregon. On the west side of the Cascade Mountains, Garry Oaks grow into large diameter, tall, and stately trees. Here on the east side of the Cascades they are at the limit of their range and the trees are generally smaller, much shorter, and often contorted.
This photo was taken mid October, 2006. The leaves on the trees have mostly turned golden brown. In spite of their small size, or perhaps because of it, these trees often produce acorns. These acorns are an important food source for Blacktail Deer, Silver Gray Squirrels, and other rodents.
Ash Creek Images
Photographs of the West by Doug Gorsline
A Stunted Garry Oak Forest on the East Slopes of Oregon's Cascade Mountains.
