1. Channel Island Scrub Oak – Quercus pacifica
(KWERE-cus puh-SIFF-ee-cuh )
Family: Fagaceae (Beech Family)
Endemic to three Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina, and Santa Rosa.; in
chaparral, oak woodlands, margins of grasslands.
Native to:
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/small tree mature height: 6-18 ft.
mature width: 6-20 ft.
Shrubby spreading species, usually shrub-like but may become tree-like in old age. Similar overall
shape to other local evergreen oaks (Q. agrifolia; Q. berberidifolia) but moderate size.
Leaves
evergreen to sub-evergreen, glossy with only a few spiny teeth. Older bark gray & scaly.
Blooms in winter/early spring. Separate male & female flowers on same plant.
Male flowers on drooping stalk. Acorns shorter & stouter than Q. agrifolia.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: A nice size oak for the home garden.
All oaks are excellent habitat plants.
Good choice for dry slopes or natural areas of the garden.
Heritage plant – very rare in wild.
Acorns can be prepared for food. Tannins in leaves and acorns used in natural dyes.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native trees & shrubs.
Excellent all-round habitat plant. Provides birds and small mammals with cover, nest
sites and food.
Also attracts a wide range of insects. larval food for Hairstreaks, Duskywings, CA
Sister butterflies.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade.
Well-drained a must; sandy-rocky soils are best. Any local pH.
Very drought tolerant once established (Zone 1 or 1-2)
None
Leave leaf litter beneath the tree.
Management:
Requires little pruning or other care. Water deeply for first 2-3 years.
Long-lived.
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed in fall.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 7, 14, 20, 24
2/24/10
© Project SOUND