Quercus wislizeni

Common Names

Interior Live Oak, Sierra Live Oak

Summary

Interior Live Oak is an evergreen California native tree with slow growth, typically 30–75 ft tall and a broad, rounded crown; leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with margins that may be spiny-toothed, and reddish-brown bark; flowers are inconspicuous and acorns mature in two years; it attracts birds and butterflies and is drought tolerant once established.

It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, with deep root systems; drought tolerance increases once established and watering is minimal after establishment; it provides shade and wildlife habitat, supports numerous animal species, and is long-lived, with lifespans over 150 years.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

30-75 ft

Spread

50 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained loamy soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing; typically 1–2 ft per year (12–24 inches), up to ~3 ft per year under favorable conditions.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds (acorns), Vegetative propagation via sprouting: root-crown/basal sprouts; epicormic sprouts; stump sprouts after cutting; postfire sprouting after top-kill

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies