Coast Live Oak
quercus agrifolia
Also known as: ["California Live Oak","Evergreen Oak"]
Overview
A large, evergreen oak tree native to coastal regions of California, known for its rugged, holly-like leaves and strong, spreading branches.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Genus: | Quercus |
| Botanical Name: | Quercus agrifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers coastal or Mediterranean climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates clay but prefers good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; remove deadwood as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate for shaping; heavy for structural correction in young trees.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Young trees benefit from partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young trees gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure adequate light for healthy growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; provide shade during extreme heat; rotate the plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during dry periods, less frequently in winter
Water deeply to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some clay content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Adaptable to a range of temperatures, thriving in 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerant of mild frosts but sensitive to extreme heat.
Protect from frost in winter; provide shade in extreme summer heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
rarely required, annually in early spring if needed
Fertilize only if growth is poor; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water well after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds require stratification for germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings in spring.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted. For seeds: collect, stratify, sow, and keep moist.
Best Time: Spring for cuttings; autumn for seeds (stratify over winter).
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid environment with indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification needed for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining mix of sand, peat, and perlite for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds can take several months to germinate after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, sterile medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching; remove crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and improve air circulation. Focus on structural pruning when young.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting.
Method
Remove plant carefully, trim any circling roots, replace old soil with fresh, well-draining mix, and ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown in the ground. If container-grown, repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and check root health.
Checklist
Check root bound status; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes are clear; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Ensure water drains well to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (browning edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf drop. Prolonged freezing may damage young growth or buds.
Solution: Protect young trees with frost cloth in freezing conditions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in damp cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced growth. Water stress may exacerbate heat damage.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid pruning during heat waves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrient levels; apply fertilizer in spring; water thoroughly after application; avoid late-season fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are also susceptible to gastrointestinal irritation if they consume acorns or leaves of Quercus agrifolia. The tannins can cause mild to moderate digestive upset, though cats are less likely to ingest these parts compared to dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience gastrointestinal upset if they ingest acorns or leaves of Quercus agrifolia. The tannins present can cause irritation to the digestive system, leading to discomfort and potential blockages if large quantities are consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicQuercus agrifolia, commonly known as the coast live oak, contains tannins in its acorns and leaves. While not highly toxic, ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of these compounds. Tannins can interfere with nutrient absorption and may cause mild to moderate irritation in the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the Coast Live Oak grow?
A: It typically reaches 10–25 meters (33–82 feet) in height.
Q: Is the Coast Live Oak suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for urban environments due to its tolerance of coastal conditions and drought.
Q: Does the Coast Live Oak produce acorns?
A: Yes, it produces acorns that are an important food source for wildlife.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during dry p |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
