Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)

Also known as: Evergreen oak

The Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is an evergreen tree known for its shrublike characteristics. Found from California to Mexico, it is frequently used in modern U.S. landscaping. Native Americans traditionally valued its acorns as a food source.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Coast live oak

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

10 m to 25 m

Spread

6 m to 15 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

5 cm to 10 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Coast live oak

Quickly Identify Coast live oak

Variable height from 20 to 70 feet (6 to 21 meters).

Bark changes from smooth to deeply furrowed and thick with age.

Broad, dense crown with horizontally growing primary branches.

Irregular crown due to diagonally extending higher branches.

Leaves shed and renewed in late spring, following early spring flowering.

Scientific Classification of Coast live oak

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fagales

Family

Beech

Genus

Oaks

Species

Coast live oak

Planting and Growing of Coast live oak

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Coast live oak?

When watering Quercus agrifolia, ensure the soil is moistened to a depth of about 8-12 inches. This deep soak encourages strong root growth, mimicking the natural watering patterns in its native habitat. Use approximately 1000 ml per session to achieve this depth, unless heavy rainfall has occurred recently.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Coast live oak? ›

What should I do if my Coast live oak is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Coast live oak? ›

How to save an overwatered Coast live oak? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Coast live oak?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Quercus agrifolia prefers full sun to partial sun, thriving with about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Proper exposure supports healthy growth, strong resistance against pests, and optimized acorn production.

How to achieve ideal sunlight exposure? ›

What are the solutions to get this ideal light? ›

What benefits does ideal sunlight bring? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Coast live oak?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 80℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Quercus agrifolia, also known as Coast Live Oak, is between 50°F and 80°F. This temperature range supports optimal growth and helps the plant to maintain its physiological processes efficiently. When temperatures are within this range, the plant can efficiently perform photosynthesis, respiration, and other cellular functions that contribute to its overall health and vitality.

What Soil is Best for Coast live oak?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Quercus agrifolia thrives in soils with excellent drainage. This characteristic ensures that water doesn't accumulate around the roots, which can prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues, allowing the tree to grow healthy and strong. This oak species prefers soils rich in organic matter. Such soils provide essential nutrients, which promote vigorous growth and enhance the overall health and disease resistance of the tree. Quercus agrifolia grows well in slightly acidic soils, which can enhance nutrient availability. This acidity level helps the oak tree absorb critical nutrients efficiently, fostering robust growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Coast live oak?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Quercus agrifolia, fertilizer should be applied lightly. This tree generally does not require heavy fertilization. Use a balanced 10-10-10 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) fertilizer at a rate of 1 cup per inch of trunk diameter. Spread the fertilizer evenly under the tree's drip line to ensure even nutrient distribution. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Coast live oak?

Pruning Time: Winter

Start by identifying and removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make your cuts cleanly. This encourages the plant to heal quickly and reduces the risk of infection. Carefully assess the natural growth pattern of Quercus agrifolia and remove any awkward, crossing, or overly dense branches. This practice helps in maintaining a balanced and aesthetically pleasing shape while ensuring healthier growth. When making cuts, angle them above a bud or branch junction. This not only supports optimal growth patterns but also facilitates faster and effective healing. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Coast live oak plant?

Propagate Time: Autumn, Early spring

To propagate Quercus agrifolia from seeds, begin by collecting ripe acorns in autumn. Ensure that acorns are mature and free from holes or damage indicative of pests.

Use a well-draining, sandy soil mix to fill pots or containers for planting acorns. This will provide the best environment for germination and early growth of seedlings.

Plant acorns about one inch deep in the prepared soil. Water thoroughly and place containers in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

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How to Repot Coast live oak plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot your Quercus agrifolia when you observe signs such as roots growing out of the drainage holes, or when growth appears stunted. These indicate a need for a larger space to accommodate the plant's expanding root system, typically during spring or autumn.

Select a pot that is at least an inch wider in diameter than the current pot, to provide ample space for root growth. Ensure it has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot, benefiting the plant significantly.

A well-draining potting mix is essential for Quercus agrifolia to prevent water retention. This kind of soil emulates the tree's natural habitat, promoting healthy root development and preventing root rot.

Toxicity of Coast live oak

Is Coast live oak toxic to humans?

The tissues of the coast live oak tree contain tannins, which are present in its leaves and seeds. This characteristic renders the plant extremely bitter to most animals, causing them to avoid it. However, young children and other vulnerable individuals might mistakenly consume parts of the tree. Tannins primarily lead to digestive disturbances, which can include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping, and colic. Prolonged exposure may lead to depressive symptoms and the presence of profuse, discolored urine. Additionally, any acorns that are swallowed intact pose a risk of choking or bowel obstruction. It is essential to keep small children away from this tree.

Is Coast live oak toxic to cat?

Coast live oak has a mild toxic effect on cats. Cats face the risk of poisoning when they consume significant amounts of the plant's leaves or seeds. Following ingestion, they may show symptoms of physical distress or illness. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain prompt attention from a veterinary facility to reduce harmful effects and safeguard the cat's health and welfare.

Is Coast live oak toxic to dog?

The coast live oak presents a slight toxicity risk to dogs. If canines consume excessive amounts of its leaves or seeds, they may experience poisoning. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal disturbance, vomiting, or diarrhea following the ingestion of coast live oak parts. Therefore, it is vital for dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and discourage them from eating large quantities of this plant. If a dog does consume coast live oak and shows symptoms of poisoning, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is crucial to safeguard the animal's health and well-being.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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