Canyon Live Oak, shaped by deer browse
Mt. Tamalpias
May 1993
The canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) behind the boulder in the center of the image has been shaped by heavy deer browse. The lower portions of the tree are difficult to discern behind the rock, but it is comprised of closely spaced leaves and has a mounded appearance that makes it easy to confuse with the rocks. The taller, spreading part of this tree marks the level too high for deer to reach.

Young oak leaves are an important food source for deer and heavy browsing often retards the rate of tree establishment and growth.
Photography by
Dr. Sharon Johnson
drsharonjohnson@comcast.net
Imagery & site design by
Kat G. Kalamaras