Quercus agrifolia Leaf (18/02/2012, Kew, London)
Position: Full Sun
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Well drained
Eventual Height: 25m
Eventual Spread: 25m
Hardiness: 7b – 10b
Family: Fagaceae
Quercus agrifolia is a dense, spreading evergreen tree with a variable growth habit. Its glossy dark green leaves are, alternate, oval, often convex in shape, up to 7cm long and 4cm broad, with spiny/ toothed margins. The trunk of this tree may achieve a diameter of up to 4m. The bark of young tree is smooth, developing deep furrows, with thick inner bark and cork layers with age. The tree is monoecious, the male flowers being yellow/ green drooping catkins the female are inconspicuous. The female flowers are followed by a light brown cone shaped acorn is up to 3.5cm long with a pointy end. The root system contains deep tap-roots that may be non functional in large trees in non drought environments.
Quercus agrifolia (18/02/2012, Kew, London)
Quercus agrifolia, commonly known as Coast Live Oak or California Live Oak, is native to the western coastal region of North America. The Native Americans consumed the acorns of this tree as a dietary staple.
The etymological root of the binomial name Quercus is derived from the Latin name for an Oak tree, but some authorities believe it to be derived from the Celtic quer meaning ‘fine’ and cuez meaning ‘a tree’. Agrifolia is derived from the Latin agri ‘field’ and folium ‘leaf’, this is thought to an error in the naming of this tree and should have been aquifolia.
The landscape architect may find Quercus agrifolia useful as a broad leafed evergreen medium sized tree. It is suitable for planting in maritime locations. It is also drought tolerant once established.
Ecologically, Q. agrifolia are attractive to insects such as larvae and weevils. Birds and mammals are attracted to the acorns for food.
Quercus agrifolia juvenile acorn (18/02/2012, Kew, London)
Q. agrifolia prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This tree will not tolerate wet soils in the summer months due to increased susceptibility to soil borne diseases.
Q. agrifolia requires little maintenance. Soil level should not be changed to the base of this tree, once established.
