Island Oak Tree
Island Oak grows in the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California where it is a relic population that once had a much broader range throughout California. Its new growth emerges as a stunning bronze covered with tiny tomentose hairs. Grows upright when young and can eventually reach a height of 50 feet with wide spreading branches. Only hardy to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit or so, so best planted in milder climates.
Latin Name: Quercus tomentella
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Hardy to at least 10F
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 20-35 ft. in height
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: September-October
Yield: 50+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Oaks are susceptible to Sudden Oak Death, a fungal disease that can kill entire stands of oaks, though we’ve not seen it yet in our area or on Silver Oaks
USDA Zone: 8a