Botanical Name: Quercus berberidifolia
Common Name: California scrub oak Type of Plant: dicot: shrub/tree Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape when young, is a multi-stemmed shrub with stiff branching forming a rounded canopy; with age becomes more irregular in its growth habit Height 6' - 15' Spread equal or more Growth Rate slow Environment: Exposure outdoors prefers full sun near the coast – tolerates some shade at inland sites Soil thrives in dry rocky soils; tolerates most if well-draining Hardiness hardy (zones 4-9, 14-24): best in coastal foothill areas Morphology: Leaves pinnate, alternate, oval-oblong, 1/2"-1" long; surfaces rather glossy; margins vary from spiny-toothed to nearly entire (smooth) Flowers inconspicuous, in catkins Fruit a nut; acorn is small; rather tapered Propagation: seed Usage: an excellent small-scale accent tree in woodlands or Mediterranean-climate theme gardens for its picturesque rugged branch structure; good on slopes or dry habitats; use as informal background mass if unpruned; suitable as a bonsai Landscape Care: Watering prefers an occasional deep-soaking; is very drought-tolerant Fertilizing none required Pruning head high & develop primary branch structure; thin out as needed for more rugged & attractive shape Pests/Diseases relatively free Special Conditions/Other Origin: chaparral-covered foothills of central and Southern California Family: Fagaceae Notes: |
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