Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak)

Photographs

My photos:

This stately tree was at Idyllwild County Park.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Fagaceae

In the garden:

Canyon live oak is an evergreen that with age, can reach over 60 feet tall. It’s crown is roundish or spreading. The bark is pale gray and is rather smooth-scaly. Most leaves are smooth (entire) but younger leaves are spiny and look like a holly leaf. Used as slow-growing ornamental even in medium-sized yards. Drought tolerant. It looks good with Rhamnus californica, Coffeeberry and Heteromeles arbutifolia, Toyon.

In the wild:

Common in canyons and on moist slopes, below 6500 feet. Canyon live oak provides important habitat for many animal species. Large oaks serve as perching, nesting, resting, or foraging sites for numerous species of birds and provide shade and cover for both large and small mammals. Small oaks provide cover and readily available browse. Canyon live oak woodlands serve as excellent mountain lion habitat because of the large number of deer frequenting these areas.

Canyon live oak is a fairly consistent acorn producer which enhances its value to wildlife species which rely on mast. Many small birds and mammals, including jays and woodpeckers, cache acorns from various California oaks. Acorns of canyon live oak are important dietary components of many birds. Prior to its extinction, the California grizzly fed extensively on the acorns of live oaks.

Ethnobotany:

Canyon live oak is one of the most abundant of California hardwoods. Utilization of canyon live oak wood appears to be best-suited to small, cottage industry. Canyon live oak is a valuable firewood species in many parts of California.

The acorn was a valuable staple food for native people. The acorn cups were used in iron-containing water to create a black dye. The wood was used for fuel.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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