California Coast Live Oak

California Coast Live Oak

A gorgeous evergreen oak, the California Coast Live Oak grows west of the Central Valley from Mendocino County all the way down to Baja California. Trees take on various forms, from scrubby multi-stemmed shrubs to stately 70 foot tall spreading trees. In our northern climates they often take the latter and with great haste and minimal water to boot! Though trees from warmer provenance have proven successful here we think our seedlings collected from the northern part of its range will provide even more cold hardiness for an already exceptional street tree. Water for the first couple summers to get trees established and then let it fend for itself. Acorns can be eaten once the tannins are leached out and are beloved by wildlife.

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Latin Name: Quercus agrifolia
Site and Soil: Oaks like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile. Will freely hybridize with other Quercus species planted nearby
Hardiness: Likely hardy to at least 5F.
Bearing Age: 4-5 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 70-100 ft.
Bloom Time: June
Ripening Time: October
Yield: 100+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Sudden Oak Death can be an issue for Quercus species in Southwest Oregon and California but so far we have not seen it affecting the oaks in the Portland Metro area
USDA Zone: 8, possibly 7