Native to California’s dry foothills and woodlands, Quercus douglasii, or Blue Oak, is a striking deciduous oak known for its pale bluish-green foliage and impressive drought tolerance. A long-lived tree, it develops a broad, spreading canopy and gnarled branches.
Exceptionally hardy, Blue Oak thrives in hot, dry, and rocky conditions. It is a hardy feature tree in dry regions. Once established, it requires minimal care and no irrigation.
- Flowers: Yellow-green catkins inconspicuous, spring, followed by acorns
- Size: About 12–20 m tall × 12–15 m wide
- Uses: Drought-tolerant landscaping, shade tree
- Features: Bluish foliage, drought and heat tolerant
- Also known as: Mountain Oak, Iron Oak
References include:
Calflora, USDA Forest Service, Calscape (California Native Plant Society), Jepson Flora Project
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