California live oak

Also known as: coast live oak; encina

An evergreen, small tree eventually reaching up to 12m high with a broadly rounded crown of spreading branches and a stout trunk of smooth black bark that becomes rougher with age. Rigid, dark green, shiny leaves are oval to rounded, up to 5cm long with spine-tipped teeth and short stalks. Cone-shaped acorns to 2.5cm long ripen in the first year

Scientific classification

Species: California live oak (Quercus agrifolia)
Genus: Quercus
Family: Fagaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: 8-12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

California live oak pictures

Distribution of California live oak

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of California live oak

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California live oak care guide

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.