Interior Live Oak

Quercus wislizeni

treeView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

well-drained; tolerates poor rocky soils

Size

20–50ft tall, 20–40ft wide

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Edible

Acorns leached and ground into flour for traditional food

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 275 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

California foothills and interior valleys

Catkins in spring

More heat tolerant than coast live oak; good inland alternative

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Interior Live Oak in full sun in well-drained soil - it tolerates poor rocky soils and a variety of soil types, so you have flexibility here. The best time to plant is in fall or winter when the tree can establish roots before summer heat. Space it with mature size in mind (20–50 feet tall), and note that it grows slowly, so patience is part of the deal.

After Planting

Water weekly through your first summer, then cut back to once a month during summer once established - after that, this tree needs very little water and actually prefers dry conditions. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; Interior Live Oak is built for drought and will struggle in wet soil. Prune only to shape when young; this is an easy-care tree that won't demand much of you once it's settled in.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Golden hairstreak butterflySatyrium auretorum

Listed under California ESA

CA: Threatened

Band-tailed PigeonPatagioenas fasciata

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported