Contents [hide]
Description
Quercus Kelloggii, commonly known as the California Black Oak, is a deciduous tree that is native to California and Oregon. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and has a crown that can spread up to 60 feet wide. The tree is known for its thick, furrowed, and dark-brown bark that peels off in large plates, revealing a lighter-colored bark underneath. The leaves of Quercus Kelloggii are simple, lobed, and can be up to 10 inches long. They are green during the growing season and turn orange or red in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The California Black Oak is a majestic tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. Its bark is thick, furrowed, and dark-brown in color, which peels off in large plates. Its leaves are simple, lobed, and can be up to 10 inches long. During the growing season, the leaves are green, and in the fall, they turn orange or red. The tree produces acorns that are up to 2 inches long and have a distinct cap that covers the top of the nut.
Care Guide
The California Black Oak is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The tree should be watered once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The tree requires full sun exposure.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Black Oak is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Oakworms: These pests can defoliate the tree.
- Acorn Weevils: These pests can damage the acorns and reduce the tree’s seed production.
- Phytophthora: This disease can cause root rot and kill the tree.
- Sudden Oak Death: This disease can also cause root rot and kill the tree.
Habitat
The California Black Oak is native to California and Oregon and is commonly found in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodlands, and mixed conifer forests. The tree is an important food source for many animals, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the California Black Oak a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the California Black Oak is a good shade tree. Its wide crown can provide ample shade during the hot summer months.
Q: Can the California Black Oak be grown in a container?
A: No, the California Black Oak cannot be grown in a container. It is a large tree that requires ample space to grow.
Q: How often should I prune my California Black Oak?
A: The California Black Oak does not require frequent pruning. Prune only if necessary to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
Q: When is the best time to plant a California Black Oak?
A: The best time to plant a California Black Oak is in the fall or early spring when the tree is dormant.
Related Plants
- Quercus Agrifolia
- Quercus Lobata
- Quercus Douglasii
- Quercus Suber
References
- “Quercus Kelloggii.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/plant/Quercus-kelloggii.
- “Quercus Kelloggii.” UC Berkeley Forest Pathology and Mycology Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, forestpathology.cfans.umn.edu/quercus-kelloggii.
- “Quercus Kelloggii.” Calflora, www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=7078.
