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(Quercus berberidifolia)
California Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia)
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Jesse Rorabaugh
Public Domain
Image By:
Jesse Rorabaugh
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jesse Rorabaugh | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Jesse Rorabaugh | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-09-29T11:41:28-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus berberidifolia, commonly known as California Scrub Oak, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and woodlands of California, often found on dry slopes and in canyons. It typically grows to 1–2 meters (3+1⁄2–6+1⁄2 ft) tall and is characterized by its dense, rounded form. The leaves are dull green, leathery, and have sharply toothed margins, which provide a distinctive texture in the landscape. The acorns are solitary or paired, brown, pointed or egg-shaped with thin caps, and mature in 6–8 months after pollination. This species is well-adapted to its native Mediterranean climate.
California Scrub Oak is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and mammals. In cultivation, it is used for erosion control on slopes, as a low-maintenance natural hedge, or as an accent in water-wise gardens. It requires minimal care once established, needing only full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to oak root fungus if soil drainage is inadequate.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Scrub Oak is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and mammals. In cultivation, it is used for erosion control on slopes, as a low-maintenance natural hedge, or as an accent in water-wise gardens. It requires minimal care once established, needing only full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to oak root fungus if soil drainage is inadequate.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrubs, Trees
- Height: 10-20 feet
- Width: 10-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fire Resistant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral and woodlands of California
Other Names
Common Names: California Scrub Oak
Scientific Names: Quercus berberidifolia , Quercus dumosa f. berberidifolia , Quercus agrifolia var. berberidifolia , Quercus dumosa var. munita
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus berberidifolia Liebm.