Tanoak
(Notholithocarpus densiflorus)
Tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus)
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Casey H. Richart
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Casey H. Richart
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Casey H. Richart | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Casey H. Richart | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-28T12:04:32-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Notholithocarpus densiflorus, commonly known as Tanoak, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the coastal forests and mixed evergreen forests of California and Oregon, as well as the chaparral biome. It typically grows to a height of 15–25 meters (49–82 feet) with a trunk diameter of 60–190 centimeters (24–75 inches). The Tanoak’s bark is deeply fissured and ranges from gray to brown, providing a distinctive texture. The leaves are broad, leathery, and resemble those of true oaks. Its acorns are notable for their hard, woody nut shells, resembling hazelnuts, and sit in a spiny cup as they mature over 18 months. The nuts, which are produced in clusters, are an important food source for wildlife.
The Tanoak is valued for its adaptability and shade tolerance, making it suitable for a variety of landscape settings. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate water, adapting to a range of soil drainage conditions from slow to fast. While not commonly used in urban planting due to its large size, it is appreciated in larger landscapes and naturalized areas for its ecological contributions and as a source of food for wildlife. The Tanoak can suffer from sudden oak death, a disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, which is a significant threat to its health. Gardeners should be aware of this potential problem and take preventive measures if possible.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Tanoak is valued for its adaptability and shade tolerance, making it suitable for a variety of landscape settings. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate water, adapting to a range of soil drainage conditions from slow to fast. While not commonly used in urban planting due to its large size, it is appreciated in larger landscapes and naturalized areas for its ecological contributions and as a source of food for wildlife. The Tanoak can suffer from sudden oak death, a disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, which is a significant threat to its health. Gardeners should be aware of this potential problem and take preventive measures if possible.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-40 feet
- Width: 10-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Fall, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal forests and mixed evergreen forests of California and Oregon, as well as the chaparral biome
Other Names
Common Names: Tan-Oak, Tanbark-Oak
Scientific Names: , Lithocarpus densiflorus, Notholithocarpus densiflorus, Quercus densiflora, Pasania densiflora, Synaedrys densiflora,
GBIF Accepted Name: Notholithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Manos, Cannon & S.H.Oh