Quercus berberidifolia

Common Names

California Scrub Oak, Scrub Oak, Inland Scrub Oak, Barberry-leaved Scrub Oak

Summary

California scrub oak is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to California and Baja California, forming a dense, multi-branched clump 3 to 15 ft tall with gray, scaly bark. Leaves are small, leathery, obovate to elliptic (1.5 to 3 cm long) with spine-toothed margins and a dull underside, giving a holly-like appearance; acorns are brown, 1 to 3 cm long with a barrel-shaped cup, maturing in about six to eight months; it is fire-adapted and resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire.

Grows in full sun to partial shade on well-drained soils; drought-tolerant once established, tolerating dry conditions and clay; irrigation is needed only during the establishment period (first 4 to 5 years monthly), after which it becomes drought-tolerant; hardy to about 15°F (USDA zones 7 to 8); propagation by acorns or semi-hardwood cuttings; common uses include background shrub, hedgerow, erosion control, and wildlife habitat, with acorns edible after leaching.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-15 ft

Spread

15-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, rocky soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils.

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Yellow-green

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green; upper surface glossy green, lower surface pale green or grayish-green.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen (green leaves)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growing; 1-2 ft per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, birds