California Black Oak

California black oak ranges from south-central Oregon to southern California on the west slopes of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains, reaching 40 to 80 feet with a broad, spreading crown. The bark is dark gray to nearly black; the leaves are deeply lobed and emerge golden-red in spring. You encounter this oak in mixed forests and chaparral from sea level foothills to mountain slopes, where it provides acorns for wildlife and dramatic seasonal color.

California black oak thrives in full sun on well-drained soils in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.5; it shows moderate drought tolerance and resprouts readily from root damage. In Puget Sound gardens, it succeeds on warm, dry sites with good air drainage; avoid waterlogged soils and shaded positions. The tree grows slowly (20 feet in 20 years) and lives for centuries, becoming a landscape anchor. Watch for oak wilt and other foliar diseases in humid conditions. Its size and long lifespan suit it to spacious properties seeking native oak character and wildlife value.