California Black Oak

Quercus kelloggii (Fagaceae) is a large deciduous oak native to the mountains of Oregon and California. It grows 40 to 80 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. The deeply lobed, bristle-tipped leaves place it in the red oak group (section Lobatae). Fall color is yellow to russet.

California black oak grows in full sun on well-drained soils at elevations of 1,000 to 8,000 feet. It is adapted to the dry-summer Mediterranean climate of its range. Acorns were a primary food staple for indigenous peoples of California and southern Oregon. Hardy in Zones 7a to 8b.