Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database


Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak)

 

Kingdom

 Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom

 Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision

 Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division

 Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class

 Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass

 Hamamelididae

Order

 Fagales

Family

 Fagaceae – Beech family

Genus

 Quercus L. – oak

Species

 Quercus chrysolepis Liebm. – canyon live oak

A fine evergreen, broad-leaved tree, this oak is found from south-western Oregon, throughout California and east to Nevada and Arizona. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-10 and grows on dry, rocky slopes and in canyons.

A mature tree will reach 30 - 80' and develop a wide, majestic crown.

The yellow-green, 3" leaves are white underneath and can be either smooth or serrated.

Plant this beauty in a dry, well-drained site, in sun or partial shade.

Do not over-water, fertilize or use any insecticide or fungicide on it.

Probably the most ancient of American oaks, the hard wood of this tree was used extensively by early settlers for mauls (giving it one of its many names) and as wagon wheels.

Photo below center courtesy of Walter Siegmund.

   
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