Blue Oak Xeric Edge Planting Experiment

Due to ongoing climate change, many species are already experiencing population declines at the xeric (hot/dry) edges of their natural ranges. Because these edge populations frequently have adaptations to relatively extreme climates, losing them means losing critical genetic diversity that could help a species evolve and adapt to change. This is particularly true for oak species that cannot tolerate the freezing and drying of traditional seed bank preservation and more information is needed on assisted gene flow for oaks in the field.?

Using California's endemic blue oak, scientists are evaluating the potential for translocating seeds from xeric edge populations to locations that are currently wetter. HREC is host to a garden of blue oak seedlings from a range of climates across California. These trees are being monitored for growth, water use, disease, herbivory resistance, and other factors that could help prevent species extinction.