Canyon Live Oak

(Quercus chrysolepis)

Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis)

Doug Beckers on Flickr

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Doug Beckers on Flickr

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Doug Beckers on Flickr | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: MPF | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Quercus_chrysolepis_acorns.jpg | Notes: {{BotMoveToCommons|en.wikipedia|year={{subst:CURRENTYEAR}}|month={{subst:CURRENTMONTHNAME}}|day={{subst:CURRENTDAY}}}} {{Information |Description={{en|Image of a single Oregon Oak, taken near Hillsboro OR, Sept. 2004. Uploaded by creator. [[:en:Category |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Quercus chrysolepis, commonly known as Canyon Live Oak, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the chaparral and woodlands of the Southwestern USA and Baja California, Mexico. It exhibits significant plasticity in form, ranging from a low shrub in exposed conditions to a large, stately tree with spreading horizontal branches and a broad, rounded crown in more sheltered areas. Heights can vary dramatically from 6 to 30 meters (20–100 feet), and the trunk diameter typically ranges from 30 to 100 centimeters (12 to 39 inches). The leaves are glossy dark green on the upper surface with a paler underside, often with a spiny margin. The bark is grayish-brown, smooth to scaly. Acorns are notable for their variable size and turban-like shape, with a shallow, thick cup of scales covered in yellowish hairs; they are usually solitary or in pairs and measure 2–5 cm in length.

Canyon Live Oak is valued for its adaptability to various soil types, including rocky or cobbly environments, and its hardiness to cold temperatures down to −11 °F. It thrives in neutral to moderately acidic soils with pH ranges of 4.5 to 7.5. In cultivation, it is best suited to full sun and requires medium amounts of water with medium or fast drainage. This oak is often used in naturalistic plantings and as a shade tree in large landscapes due to its picturesque form and evergreen foliage. It is also important for wildlife habitat, providing food and shelter for various species. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential to grow large and consider space requirements accordingly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Trees
Height: 30-80 feet
Width: 30-60 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Chaparral and woodlands of the Southwestern USA and Baja California, Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Canyon Oak , Golden Cup Oak , Maul Oak

Scientific Names: Quercus chrysolepis , Quercus chrysolepis var. nana , Quercus chrysolepis var. chrysolepis , Quercus chrysolepis var. hansenii , Quercus wilcoxii , Quercus crassipocula , Quercus chrysolepis f. grandis , Quercus chrysolepis f. nana , Quercus chrysolepis var. pendula , Quercus chrysolepis f. hansenii

GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus chrysolepis Liebm.