N/E/X/T/Garden:  Featured Native Plant

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Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)

Identifying characteristics:
Leaves are glossy, dark-green and toothed
Bark is gray-brown, furrowing with age
Flowers in spring are inconspicuous
Acorns in autumn are light-brown and elongated
Grows to 20’-70’ high and 20’-70’ wide
 
Landscape values:
Fast growth rate
Minimal root-heaving of concrete at least four feet away (with deep watering)
Dense evergreen canopy, irregular branching
Forage for California Sister Butterfly caterpillars
 
Horticultural requirements:
Full sun
Drought-tolerant, intolerant of frequent summer watering
Good drainage
Acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH 4.0-8.0)
Drop prune only August-September, if desired/needed
(Retain as much interior growth as possible)
Remove deadwood at any time
 
Native range:
Coastal California, Baja California, and the Channel Islands of Santa Rosa & Santa Cruz
 
Uses by Native Americans:
Acorns leached and ground into meal
Wood for fuel, tools, and construction
Bark for tanning animal hides
Acorns, bark, and galls for medicine


For more information about the N/E/X/T/Garden, where this Featured Native Plant grows, click here.
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For additional information about this Featured Native Plant, email:  Info@PalisadesBeautiful.org.