|
Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak) - A beautiful drought-resistant, evergreen tree that ranges in height from 20 to 70 feet and in diameter from 1 to 4 feet. The bark of young trees is smooth. With age, it develops deep furrows, ridges, and a thick bark. The inner bark and cork layers are thick. Crowns are broad and dense, with foliage often reaching the ground. In open areas trunks are usually 4 to 8 feet tall; at this height, primary branches originate and grow horizontally. Trees in dense stands generally have irregular crowns and few lower branches. In closed stands trunks may be branchless up to 20 feet high, where several branches extend diagonally upward. Coast live oak stands are typically from 40 to 110 years old, individual trees may live over 250 years.
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Needs no irrigation in coastal climates but growth can be stimulated with infrequent deep watering - avoid irrigating older established specimens. Cold hardy to 10-15°F and useful in USDA Zones 8-11.
Quercus agrifolia is native to California and Baja Coast live oak. It occurs in a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The name for the genus is the old name know to denote oaks and was derived from the Celtic words 'quer' meaning fine and 'cuez' meaning tree. The specific epithet has long been listed as meaning "with rough or scabby leaves" from the root words 'agri' meaning "grassy" or "grass-like" and 'folia' meaning leaves but there is some thought that the name is a modification of "aquifolium" from the Italian word 'Agrifoglio,' which was used to describe holly in the genus Ilex from 'acer' meaning "sharp" and 'folia' meaning a "leaf".
Coast live oak begins flower and fruit production during stem elongation in the spring. Flowering of coast live oak is triggered by warm temperature. In late spring new growth emerges and sheds all the foliage at the same time. The root system consists of a deep taproot that is usually nonfunctional in large trees. Several deep main roots may tap groundwater if present within approximately 36 feet of the soil surface. Coast live oak develops extensive horizontal root branches and surface-feeding roots. Tree roots in southwestern California are associated with mycorrhizae that aid in water uptake during the dry season.
Information displayed on this page about Quercus agrifolia is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
|
