Quercus cornelius-mulleri, commonly known as Muller oak or Muller's oak, is a unique North American oak species native to the diverse landscapes of southern California and Baja California. Officially recognized as a distinct species in 1981, it was named in honor of ecologist Cornelius Herman Muller. It thrives in chaparral, oak woodlands, and the scenic foothills and mountains, making prominent appearances in places such as Joshua Tree National Park and the woodlands near the Colorado Desert's western edges in San Diego County. This bushy shrub, rarely exceeding 10 feet, features densely tangled and scaly twigs. Its evergreen leaves are strikingly bicolored, boasting a thick, leathery texture with a woolly white underside adorned with star-shaped hairs, and a dull gray- or yellow-green upper surface. Sporting oval leaf blades with either smooth or toothed edges, the plant produces acorns with light-colored scaled caps and dark brown cylindrical nuts. Perfect for enthusiasts of native plant species, Quercus cornelius-mulleri is an exceptional example of California's rich botanical heritage.
