California Black Oak
Quercus kelloggii
Also listed as Quercus californica, Quercus sonomensis
Also known as Kellogg Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A native California oak with deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn russet-red in fall. Tolerant of drought and heat, it's ideal for Mediterranean and dry-climate landscapes.
Why grow it
California black oak grows larger and more robust than many other native California oaks, making it valuable as a canopy tree in dry-climate landscapes where few species establish reliably. Unlike coast live oak or interior live oak, it is deciduous and offers notable fall color, providing seasonal visual interest. Its deeper root system performs well on slopes and in well-drained soils, and it requires minimal supplemental water once established, making it a practical choice for water-conscious permaculture designs.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first two to three years; inconsistent watering during establishment can slow growth or cause stress. The tree's large size at maturity (60+ feet) requires careful site selection to avoid conflicts with structures or utilities, and fall leaf drop is substantial in some settings. Oak wilt and other oak diseases can occasionally affect trees in certain regions, so monitoring for pests and diseases is advisable as part of regular orchard management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California foothills and mountains
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A native California oak with deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn russet-red in fall. Tolerant of drought and heat, it's ideal for Mediterranean and dry-climate landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Black Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
California black oak grows larger and more robust than many other native California oaks, making it valuable as a canopy tree in dry-climate landscapes where few species establish reliably. Unlike coast live oak or interior live oak, it is deciduous and offers notable fall color, providing seasonal visual interest. Its deeper root system performs well on slopes and in well-drained soils, and it requires minimal supplemental water once established, making it a practical choice for water-conscious permaculture designs.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first two to three years; inconsistent watering during establishment can slow growth or cause stress. The tree's large size at maturity (60+ feet) requires careful site selection to avoid conflicts with structures or utilities, and fall leaf drop is substantial in some settings. Oak wilt and other oak diseases can occasionally affect trees in certain regions, so monitoring for pests and diseases is advisable as part of regular orchard management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California foothills and mountains
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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