Quercus agrifolia, California oak

Scientific name: Quercus agrifolia

Common Names: Coast Live Oak, California oak  

Tongva - weht
Kumeyaay - esnyaaw
Cahuilla - wi'asily

A slow growing tree that grows up to 80 feet tall and 35 feet wide. This plant produces a pollen that can produce an allergic reaction.

Prune in the summer, mid July to September.  Young trees require pruning to establish a good branching system.  Mature trees do not need to be pruned often, about every 5-10 years you should prune the dead small branches.  Do not prune in the winter or spring.

These oaks prefer to have their roots shaded, plant with: (Baccharis pilularis), buckwheat(Eriogonum fasciculatum), Artemisia californica, toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) or coffeeberry (Frangula californica), Coast Live Oak, including Coyote Brush; California Buckwheat; Coast Sagebrush; Toyon; California Coffeeberry; Woolly Bluecurls; Snapdragon Penstemon; Fuchsiaflower Gooseberry; California WildRose; Manzanita sp.; Ceanothus sp.; Salvia sp. and annual wildflowers including Poppy sp. and Chinese Houses; in riparian areas in Encinitas: Salix lasiolepis

An easy California Native to grow in the Los Angeles area.   For more recommendations visit our Easiest California Native Plants to grow in your garden guide.