California black oak
ExplorePlants
California black oak
Quercus kelloggii
The California black oak is a tall tree with beautiful leaves that turn bright colors in the fall. It provides shade and homes for many animals in the forest.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The California black oak has large, dark green, deeply lobed leaves that turn brilliant golden-orange or red in fall. Its bark is dark gray to black, thick, and furrowed, distinguishing it from smoother-barked oaks. This stately tree produces distinctive large acorns.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its acorns were a major food source for many California Native American tribes for thousands of years!
Some California black oaks can live for over 500 years, standing tall for centuries!
The largest California black oak on record is over 100 feet tall, as high as a ten-story building!
Unlike many plants, it makes both male and female flowers on the same tree, but they look very different!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Resilience
California black oak has thick, furrowed bark that protects its inner tissues, helping it survive and regrow after mild to moderate wildfires.
Ability
Acorn Powerhouse
This oak produces abundant large acorns, providing vital food for many wildlife species and aiding in its widespread reproduction.
Ability
Drought Stamina
The California black oak has deep root systems, allowing it to access groundwater and endure long dry periods in its native habitats.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1000-3600 cm
- Spread
- 800-2500 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Western Gray Squirrel
Sciurus griseus
Eats acorns, helping spread seeds.
eats
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
Buried acorns by jays often grow into new trees.
eats
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses on young leaves and twigs.
eats
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Feasts on ripe acorns as an important food.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay on paths when exploring forests and watch for falling branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is California black oak?
1000-3600 cm
How wide does California black oak spread?
800-2500 cm
When does California black oak bloom?
Spring
Is California black oak edible?
Yes
Is California black oak toxic?
Mild
What is California black oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is California black oak pollinated?
Wind
Where is California black oak usually found?
Forests
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