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(Quercus vacciniifolia)
Huckleberry Oak (Quercus vacciniifolia)
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joergmlpts
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joergmlpts
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: joergmlpts | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: joergmlpts | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-08-05T09:34:36-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus vacciniifolia, commonly known as Huckleberry Oak, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and mixed conifer forests of the western United States, particularly in California, Nevada, and Oregon. It typically grows less than 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and spreads horizontally, forming dense mats that can be quite extensive. This shrub is characterized by its small, leathery leaves that resemble those of huckleberries, hence the common name. Huckleberry Oak produces acorns that are an important food source for local wildlife. It is not a tree but remains a low-growing shrub throughout its life.
Huckleberry Oak is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for slopes and disturbed areas, such as those above Lake Tahoe where it helps to reduce sediment runoff into the lake. Its drought tolerance and adaptability to different light conditions make it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to oak root fungus if grown in poorly drained soils. Huckleberry Oak is not commonly found in the nursery trade but can be propagated by seeds or cuttings for use in restoration projects and naturalistic landscaping.CC BY-SA 4.0
Huckleberry Oak is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for slopes and disturbed areas, such as those above Lake Tahoe where it helps to reduce sediment runoff into the lake. Its drought tolerance and adaptability to different light conditions make it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to oak root fungus if grown in poorly drained soils. Huckleberry Oak is not commonly found in the nursery trade but can be propagated by seeds or cuttings for use in restoration projects and naturalistic landscaping.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-1.3 feet
- Width: 2-4 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
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral and mixed conifer forests
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Quercus vacciniifolia, Quercus chrysolepis var. vacciniifolia, Quercus chrysolepis subsp. vacciniifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus vacciniifolia Hittell