[theodorepayne.org] Distribution, Habitat, Description: Distribution: North Coast Ranges, Foothills of the Cascade Ranges and Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi, South Coast Range, Southwest Natural Habitat: Interior canyons, slopes, valleys, pine/oak woodland, chaparral, floodplains. Interior live oak is a variable species. It is often shrubby, but occasionally reaches the size of a large tree with a stately form and dense, rounded canopy. Excellent bird habitat. Tough evergreen leaves discourage browsing deer. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)