Quercus kelloggii (Black Oak)

Photographs

This tree was putting out its new leaves in April on Mt. Palomar

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Plant Information

Fagaceae

In the garden:

A deciduous oak with a broad, rounded crown, which can grow to a height of from 30 to 75 feet. The trunk is thick with dark smooth bark, which becomes deeply ridged with age. The dark color of the bark gives this oak its name. The unfolding leaves are a soft pink or dusty rose, becoming a glossy green, and finally, yellow or yellow-orange in the fall. These leaves have bristly tips. Spectacular color change of the leaves will occur after a cold spell in the fall or winter, resulting in a golden color. The flowers of this oak occur in April and May and are known as catkins, which are dangling clusters of unisexual flowers. Grown primarily for spring and fall color, and for winter trunk and branch pattern. Works well in a landscape either singly or with other oaks in a forest setting. Drought tolerant.

In the wild:

Common in hills and mountains, mostly 1000 to 8000 feet. At higher elevations, this tree may be shrubby. This species is unusual in that it will grow next to water.

Ethnobotany:

It has large, edible acorns, which mature during the second year.

Field Trips
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