« Browse By Botanical Name

Quercus tomentella

Accession Count: 0
Common Name: island oak
Family Name: Fagaceae
Botanical Name: Quercus tomentella
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: Quercus tomentella is an evergreen oak tree with an upright growth habit and a spreading, rounded crown. This tree can grow 20 to 50 feet tall and 25 to 40 feet wide. The bark is dark gray or brown, and smooth or block-like. Leaves are dark green, glossy, and ovate with a toothed margin. Flowers are inconspicuous and green, and the tree produces acorns which are brown and medium sized (1).
Compound: Que tom
Geographic Origin: California
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Q. tomentella is endemic to the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California, but is now grown all around California and the Southwest. This tree grows at elevations from 325 ft to 2135 ft. On the Channel Islands, the number of mature individuals is continuing to decrease (2).
Cultivation Notes: Q. tomentella is typically found in a coastal forest climate, and is tolerant of drought and frost. This tree grows best in well-draining soils, and in full sun to partial shade (1). It is hardy to 15°F (4).
Ethnobotany:
Q. tomentella is grown in the southwest United States as an arid-adapted oak tree. This tree is planted as a landscape tree, and is excellent for coastal gardens. Wildlife such as birds and squirrels are attracted to the tree, and it is used by several species of butterflies as a host plant (1,3,4).
Height: 20 - 50 feet
Width: 20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season: Spring
Color: Green
Function: Shade
Spread: Spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Moderate Water Use
Citations:
CalPoly Selectree. (accessed December 15th, 2018)
IUCN Red List. (accessed December 15th, 2018)
Theodore Payne Foundation. (accessed December 15th, 2018)
Calscape. (accessed December 15th, 2018)
Alert

Quercus tomentella