California live oak (Quercus agrifolia, Anales Ci. Nat. 3: 271 (1801))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Née

Bibliography: Anales Ci. Nat. 3: 271 (1801)

Year: 1801

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. California to Mexico (N. Baja California Norte)

Description

California live oak, scientifically known as Quercus agrifolia, is a species endemic to the western regions of North America, specifically from Western California down to Northern Baja California in Mexico. This resilient evergreen tree is a prominent member of the Fagaceae family and was first documented in the early 19th century by the botanist Luis Née, with his observations being published in “Anales Ci. Nat.” in 1801.

Quercus agrifolia is easily distinguishable by its unique, twisted branches and broad, spreading canopy, which provides ample shade and habitat for various wildlife. The leaves of California live oak are small, thick, and leathery with a spiny, holly-like appearance. They remain green throughout the year, contributing to the tree’s year-round photosynthesis and vitality. The bark is dark and deeply furrowed, adding a distinctive texture to the tree’s appearance.

This species thrives in a variety of soils but is particularly well-adapted to the coastal climates where it frequently grows. It is found in habitats ranging from woodlands and savannas to the edges of rivers and streams, where its extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion. The tree’s adaptability and robustness are reflected in its ability to withstand periods of drought and its tolerance for different environmental conditions.

California live oak plays a crucial ecological role in its native regions. It provides critical food sources and shelter for a myriad of animal species, including birds, insects, and mammals. The acorns produced by the tree are a valuable food source for many animals and were traditionally used by indigenous peoples as a significant component of their diet.

Despite its ecological importance and adaptability, the California live oak faces threats from urban development, climate change, and disease, particularly sudden oak death caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Conservation efforts are essential to protect this iconic species and maintain the biodiversity of the ecosystems it supports.

Understanding the California live oak and its role in western North American ecosystems offers valuable insights into the rich tapestry of plant and animal interactions and highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats in an era of rapid environmental change.

Common Names

Eng: california live oak, coast live oak
En: California live oak, Coastal live oak, Coast live oak
Ca: Alzina de Califòrnia
Zh: 禾叶栎
Fi: Kaliforniantammi
Fa: بلوط زنده کالیفرنیا
Zh-tw: 禾葉櫟
Zh-hant: 禾葉櫟

Synonyms

• Quercus agrifolia var. oxyadenia ((Torr.) J.T.Howell)
• Quercus acutiglandis (Sarg.)
• Quercus oxyadenia (Torr.)
• Quercus pricei (Sudw.)
• Quercus agrifolia var. frutescens (Engelm.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Douglas Pinto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Victor Cheng (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by P. Van Ness (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Saul Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Alex Hayes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 3, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Cassandra Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Elle Emme (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 11, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2880791)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295759-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus agrifolia Née)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5