Island Oak
Quercus tomentella
Also known as Channel Island Oak, Island Live Oak
Climate Match for your location
See how well Island Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Island Oak is a drought-tolerant evergreen oak native to the Channel Islands of California, valued for its dense, rounded canopy and ability to thrive in dry, exposed conditions. It produces acorns and provides excellent wildlife habitat while requiring minimal water once established.
Why grow it
Island Oak offers superior drought tolerance compared to most other native California oaks once established, making it a practical choice for water-limited landscapes in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. Its evergreen habit provides year-round structure and wildlife value, whereas deciduous oak species leave bare canopies in winter. The species performs well in poor, shallow soils typical of coastal bluffs and exposed sites where many alternatives struggle.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first 2-3 growing seasons despite the species' eventual drought hardiness, so establishment requires more water than mature plants suggest. Growth rate is moderately slow, so plan for a longer timeline to canopy maturity than with faster-growing oak species. In cooler inland regions beyond its native maritime influence, winter hardiness may be inconsistent.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Channel Islands, California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Island Oak is a drought-tolerant evergreen oak native to the Channel Islands of California, valued for its dense, rounded canopy and ability to thrive in dry, exposed conditions. It produces acorns and provides excellent wildlife habitat while requiring minimal water once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Island Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Island Oak offers superior drought tolerance compared to most other native California oaks once established, making it a practical choice for water-limited landscapes in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. Its evergreen habit provides year-round structure and wildlife value, whereas deciduous oak species leave bare canopies in winter. The species performs well in poor, shallow soils typical of coastal bluffs and exposed sites where many alternatives struggle.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first 2-3 growing seasons despite the species' eventual drought hardiness, so establishment requires more water than mature plants suggest. Growth rate is moderately slow, so plan for a longer timeline to canopy maturity than with faster-growing oak species. In cooler inland regions beyond its native maritime influence, winter hardiness may be inconsistent.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Channel Islands, California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.