The Common Oak (also known as the Palestine Oak), is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is a slow-growing evergreen tree that reaches heights of up to 10 meters and can live for up to 700 years. It can be distinguished from other species of oak by the velvety undersides of its otherwise similar dark green spiny leaves. The Common Oak is one of the trees in the region most tolerant to harsh conditions, droughts, or poor ground with dry limestone and siliceous soil. In particularly dry regions, or areas grazed by animals, it will grow closer to the ground and can appear more like a large shrub.