California Black Oak


Scientific Name: Quercus kelloggii Newb.
Synonym: Quercus californica
Family: Fagaceae
California Black Oak(Quercus kelloggii)
"Quercus californica", U.S.D.A Forest Service, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute
Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 5,6,7,15,16,18-21
USDA: 5-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part sun

Origin: West coast of the USA, from southern Oregon, to San Diego County, California

Growth Habits: Deciduous tree or occasionally shrub, 30 to 80 feet tall (9-25 m) or more, trunk 1 to 4.5 feet in diameter (0.3-1.4 m); bark is black with deep ridges; dark green deeply lobed leaves, 4 to 10 inches long (10-15 cm), each lobe has a prickly tip

Watering Needs: Moderate water, likes acidic soils

Propagation: Fresh seeds, don't let the acorns dry out If the acorns are not fresh, they need to be stratified for at least a month

The species epithet 'kelloggii' honors Albert Kellogg, a pioneer California botanist and physician

Fruiting Habits:
Chestnut-brown acorns are 1 to 2 inches long (2.5 to 5 cm), with a cap that covers half of the nut. The acorns are slightly toxic because of their tannic acid content. Native americans, would eat them after removing the acid by leaching it in water.


 

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