Blue Oak
(Quercus douglasii)
Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii)
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Don Loarie
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Don Loarie
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Don Loarie | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Don Loarie | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-07-01T10:12:35-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus douglasii, commonly known as Blue Oak, is a deciduous tree, although it can be semi-deciduous in some areas, primarily native to the chaparral and woodlands of California, particularly within the Coast Ranges and the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada. It typically grows to a height of 20-60 feet (6-18 meters) and a width of 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters). The Blue Oak is recognized for its bluish-green leaves and a broad, rounded canopy that provides light shade. It produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by characteristic acorns that are valuable food sources for wildlife. Its bark is deeply furrowed, providing a distinctive texture in the landscape.
Blue Oak is highly valued for its exceptional drought tolerance, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for habitat restoration projects within its native range. The tree’s ability to thrive with minimal water once established, along with its attractive, twisted form and light shade, makes it a desirable species for dry gardens and open landscapes. It requires full sun exposure and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to oak root fungus and other diseases common to oaks. Gardeners should be aware of its slow growth rate and plan accordingly when incorporating it into landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Blue Oak is highly valued for its exceptional drought tolerance, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for habitat restoration projects within its native range. The tree’s ability to thrive with minimal water once established, along with its attractive, twisted form and light shade, makes it a desirable species for dry gardens and open landscapes. It requires full sun exposure and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to oak root fungus and other diseases common to oaks. Gardeners should be aware of its slow growth rate and plan accordingly when incorporating it into landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-60 feet
- Width: 15-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, 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
Native to the chaparral and woodlands of California, particularly within the Coast Ranges and the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Quercus douglasii, Quercus douglasii var. ransomii, Quercus oblongifolia var. brevilobata, Quercus ransomii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus douglasii Hook. & Arn.