Despite the name, Tanoaks are not true oak trees. In fact, the name is spelled without a space between ‘tan’ and ‘oak’ as to not confuse it with true oaks. Tanoak trees produce acorns like oak trees do, but the caps are notably covered with spike like hairs, rather than being woody and ridged. 

The Tanoak tree closely resembles the Chinkapin Oak in both appearance and ecology. The flowers of the two are extremely similar, but while the chartreuse flowers of the Chinkapin Oak hang towards the ground, the cream colored flowers of the Tanoak often grow up and out in different directions.

 Although Tanoaks are cold hardy, shade tolerant, and competitive to the conifers of the west coast, they grow in a very small region. The climate of this small region is akin to that of the Mediterranean- warm to hot, dry summers, and mild to cool, wet winters- which is a great environment for many mushrooms to thrive in as well. 

• Cream colored
• Grows upwards
• Pollen bearing
• Musty odor

• 3-5 inches long
• Oblong shape
• Thick and leathery
• Shiny green on top
• Blue-white hairs on bottom
• Edges toothed or occasionally smooth