Quercus rugosa netleaf oak

Netleaf oak on Serra Street. Sairus Patel, 13 Sep 2024

Clusters of new leaves emerge a glowing ruby on these leathery-leaved oaks, giving the impression of rich red flowers dotting the crowns. The species name means wrinkled, describing the leaf surface. Turn a leaf over to appreciate the pale undersides cloaked with hairs ranging from near-white to gold. An enchanting network of prominent veins spreads over the leaf undersides. Where Serra Street approaches the Campus Drive intersection, see seven netleaf oaks at the curb and in the median.