Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Hamamelididae

Order Fagales

Family Fagaceae – Beech family

Genus Quercus L. – oak

Species Quercus chrysolepis Liebm. – canyon live oak

A fine evergreen, broad-leaved tree, this oak is found from south-western Oregon, throughout California and east to Nevada and Arizona. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-10 and grows on dry, rocky slopes and in canyons.

A mature tree will reach 30 - 80' and develop a wide, majestic crown.

The yellow-green, 3" leaves are white underneath and can be either smooth or serrated.

Plant this beauty in a dry, well-drained site, in sun or partial shade.

Do not over-water, fertilize or use any insecticide or fungicide on it.

Probably the most ancient of American oaks, the hard wood of this tree was used extensively by early settlers for mauls (giving it one of its many names) and as wagon wheels.

Photo below center courtesy of Walter Siegmund.