Garry Oak

Garry Oak

A significant Garry Oak tree or Garry Oak meadow.

Garry oak is the only native oak species in British Columbia. Garry oak woodlands depend on disturbance to prevent their being overtaken by Douglas-fir. Deliberate burning was widely practiced by the First Nations people of the area. Fire perpetuated the grasslands that produced food plants such as camas, chocolate lily, bracken fern, and oak; and that provided grazing and easy hunting for deer and elk.

For more information visit the Garry oak ecosystems recovery team (GOERT)