Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quercus Agrifolia, commonly known as the California Live Oak or Coast Live Oak, is a beautiful and hardy evergreen tree that is native to the western United States. It is a member of the Fagaceae family, which also includes other oaks, beeches, and chestnuts. The tree can grow up to 82 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 6 feet. Its leaves are dark green and leathery, and its acorns are small and brown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The California Live Oak is a majestic tree with a wide, spreading canopy that can provide ample shade. Its bark is gray and deeply furrowed, and its branches are gnarled and twisted. The tree’s leaves are oval-shaped, about 2-4 inches long, and have smooth edges. They are dark green and glossy on the top, and paler and hairy on the bottom. The tree’s acorns are small, about 1 inch long, and have a fuzzy cap.
Care Guide
The California Live Oak is a hardy tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:
- Water: The California Live Oak is drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall. However, it may benefit from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
- Fertilization: The tree does not require regular fertilization, but adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help it grow.
- Soil: The California Live Oak prefers well-draining soil, but can tolerate a variety of soil types.
- Sunlight: The tree can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but may grow more slowly in shadier areas.
- Hardiness Zones: The California Live Oak is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Live Oak is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by certain issues. Here are some common problems to watch out for:
- Sudden Oak Death: This is a disease caused by a fungus-like organism that can kill oak trees. Symptoms include leaf spots, twig dieback, and cankers on the trunk. The disease is most prevalent in coastal areas of California.
- Oak Wilt: This is a fungal disease that affects the water-conducting system of oaks, causing them to wilt and die. It is most prevalent in the central and eastern United States.
- Caterpillars: Certain types of caterpillars, such as the California oakworm, can defoliate oak trees. They can be controlled with insecticides.
Habitat
The California Live Oak is native to the western United States, particularly in California, where it is the state tree. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and mixed evergreen forests. The tree is an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for a variety of wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the California Live Oak be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in containers, it is not recommended. The tree has a large root system and needs ample space to grow.
Q: How fast does the California Live Oak grow?
A: The tree grows slowly, typically only about 1-2 feet per year.
Q: When is the best time to prune the California Live Oak?
A: The tree can be pruned in the winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Q: Is the California Live Oak a good choice for a street tree?
A: Yes, the tree is a popular choice for street trees because of its hardiness and attractive appearance.
Related Plants
- Quercus lobata (Valley Oak)
- Quercus garryana (Oregon White Oak)
- Quercus suber (Cork Oak)
- Quercus robur (English Oak)
References
- “Quercus agrifolia.” Floridata. Accessed 26 August 2021. <https://floridata.com/plant/355>.
- “Coast Live Oak.” California Native Plant Society. Accessed 26 August 2021. <https://www.cnps.org/gardening/plant-profiles/quercus-agrifolia>.
- “Sudden Oak Death.” University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Accessed 26 August 2021. <https://ucanr.edu/sites/sod/Hosts_and_Symptoms/>.
