Canyon Live Oak
- Current Stock:
- 0
- Other Names:
- Canyon Oak, Golden Cup Oak, Maul Oak, Oak, Live Oak
- Latin Name:
- Quercus chrysolepis
Canyon Live Oak is a medium size evergreen nut tree, native to the west coast.
Edible Uses
Its acorns are a native food among the largest of any Quercus species, and were a staple food source for Native Americans. Once leached, they have a mild potato-like flavor, and can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a gluten-free baking flour. Acorns are rich in complex carbohydrates, minerals, oils, fiber, and vitamins, and are lower in fat than most other nuts.
Ornamental Qualities
The Canyon Live Oak is particularly attractive in the home landscape. Its evergreen leaves have shiny, green tops and pale blue/gray bottoms, keeping color in your yard all Winter long. The bark is smooth and white when young, aging into a wizened, checkered gray. Beautiful!
Environment and Culture
Canyon Live Oaks grow in marginal soils across the southwest and provide an important source of food and shelter for many animal species.
Harvest and Preparation
The Canyon Live Oak is slow growing, but strong and sturdy. The tree doesn’t require any pruning, but can be formed at an early age for aesthetics or, for example, to prevent bad crotch angles for future snowloads. It can grow in wet or dry climates, but likes to dry out during the Summer (except during the first few years of establishment). It is very self-sufficient. Harvest acorns green off the tree in September or right as they fall - before the squirrels and rodents get them.
Acorns require leaching of tannins to become palatable; one can boil them, run water over them, or leave them in a bag in a stream, as the Native Americans did. Acorns intended for replanting need to be stratified for 90 days. See our recipes for more detailed information.
- Native Range: CA, OR, NV, NM
- USDA zones: 3-11
- Ease of Care: Very High
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
- Light Requirements: Full Sun
- Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types
- Water Requirements: Drought tolerant, can handle wet, after establishment it will tolerate drying out in the summer
- Pollination: Self Fertile
- Bearing Age: 20-30 years
- Size at Maturity: 50’-60’
- Plant Spacing 15’-30’
- Bloom Time: April/May
- Harvest Time: Sept/Oct
Pot Sizing Guide
Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. Gift cards are non-refundable. Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
