Gardening information for Quercus berberidifolia.

1. Coastal Sage Scrub Oak – Quercus berberidifolia (KWER-kus ber-ber-id-i-FO-lee-a)
Family: Fagaceae (Beech Family)
Native to: Much debate on this taxon, but may include most of coastal CA into Baja; locally on
sandy soils near coast, chaparral, sandstone, coastal sage scrub below 600', South Coast to Baja.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/tree mature height:3-10+ ft. (to 20) mature width:4-8 ft.
Woody shrub or small tree with shrub-like habit. Semi-erect with many branches and relatively
small, dark, waxy evergreen leaves. Looks somewhat like a dwarf Coast Liveoak (Quercus agrifolia)
& hybridizes with other native oaks. Leaves are ‘holly-like’ in some plants. Deep roots.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in early spring. Male flowers on drooping catkins, but only mildly showy.
Female flowers insignificant. Acorns are oblong, rather like Coast Liveoak.
Uses in the garden: Most often used on slopes and in other areas that need a tough, drought-
tolerant shrub/tree. Small size makes it appropriate for smaller yards, parking strips, along
roadsides, etc. Excellent habitat value and easy to grow in well-drained soils. Acorns can be
prepared for food. May also be sold as ‘Quercus dumosa’.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs of similar size.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides cover for many birds & insects; and acorns for jays,
small mammals.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part shade
Soil Well-drained soils; tolerates slightly alkali soils (to pH 8.5)
Water Very drought tolerant once established (Zone 1 or 1-2)
Fertilizer Do not fertilize
Other
Management: Pretty easy to grow. Do not disturb roots or over-water. Let leaf litter
accumulate, but rake it away from the trunk.
Propagation: from seed: easy, plant in fall in pots or ground by cuttings: difficult
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19 11/3/09
© Project SOUND