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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Quercus agrifolia Née
California live oak, Coast live oak
USDA Symbol: QUAG
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A picturesque, broad-canopied, evergreen oak, 20-50 ft. high and wide. Old trees can reach 100 ft. Thick, slightly glossy, gray-green leaves are oval and holly-like.Evergreen tree with short, stout trunk; many large, crooked, spreading branches; and broad, rounded crown; sometimes shrubby. This is the common oak of the California coast and foothills, forming parklike groves that often appear in the scenery of motion pictures made in Hollywood.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Retention: Evergreen Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Complexity: Simple Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Leaf Shape: Elliptic Leaf Texture: Leathery
Breeding System: Monoecious Inflorescence: Spike ,
Catkin Fruit Type: Nut Size Notes: Height to 100 feet.
Leaf Color: Green
Flower Size: Males 2-4 inch drooping catkins.
Fruit Length: 1 to 1 1/2 inches long.
Fruit Color: Light brown acorn.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr
Bloom Notes: Males yellow-green
catkin, females reddish green spike.
Distribution
USA: CA
Native Distribution: CA Coast Ranges from Sonoma Co., s. to Mex.
Native Habitat: Coastal valleys & slopes below 3500 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Well-drained soil.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Attracts Oak Titmouse, Western Scrub Jay, Stellers Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and about 30 other species of birds.
Use Food: The acorns were among those preferred by Indians; after removing the shells, they ground the seeds into meal, which was washed to remove the bitter taste, and boiled into mush or baked in ashes as bread.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: California sister butterfly.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Quercus agrifolia is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-04-01
Research By: TWC Staff
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