Canyon Live Oak
Quercus chrysolepis
Also listed as Quercus crassipocula, Quercus fulvescens
Also known as Golden Cup Oak, Canyon Oak, Maul Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A drought-tolerant evergreen oak native to California with golden-scaled acorns and dense foliage. It thrives in dry, rocky terrain and is excellent for water-wise landscapes.
Why grow it
Canyon live oak is notably more drought-tolerant than many other California native oaks once established, making it a logical choice for water-limited regions where other oak species struggle. It differs from coast live oak in preferring higher elevations and rocky, well-draining soils, and offers denser evergreen canopy than deciduous oak alternatives. The species provides year-round wildlife value through acorn production and dense cover, functions well in mixed native plantings, and requires minimal supplemental water after establishment.
Watch out for
This oak can be slow to establish from nursery stock and may benefit from careful siting and initial water management during its first growing season. Dense foliage and branch architecture can create fire ladder conditions in wildland-urban interface settings, so strategic pruning of lower limbs may be prudent depending on location. Like most oaks, it is susceptible to root disturbance and compaction during planting, so loose, well-draining soil preparation is important for long-term vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California (Sierra Nevada foothills and canyons)
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon
Seasonality
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
- Propagation
A drought-tolerant evergreen oak native to California with golden-scaled acorns and dense foliage. It thrives in dry, rocky terrain and is excellent for water-wise landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Canyon Live Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Canyon live oak is notably more drought-tolerant than many other California native oaks once established, making it a logical choice for water-limited regions where other oak species struggle. It differs from coast live oak in preferring higher elevations and rocky, well-draining soils, and offers denser evergreen canopy than deciduous oak alternatives. The species provides year-round wildlife value through acorn production and dense cover, functions well in mixed native plantings, and requires minimal supplemental water after establishment.
Watch out for
This oak can be slow to establish from nursery stock and may benefit from careful siting and initial water management during its first growing season. Dense foliage and branch architecture can create fire ladder conditions in wildland-urban interface settings, so strategic pruning of lower limbs may be prudent depending on location. Like most oaks, it is susceptible to root disturbance and compaction during planting, so loose, well-draining soil preparation is important for long-term vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California (Sierra Nevada foothills and canyons)
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon
Seasonality
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
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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