Channel Island Scrub Oak
Quercus pacifica
- Native to:
- United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Quercus
- Species:
- Quercus pacifica
- USDA Symbol:
- QUPA6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; resprouts from root crown after low-severity fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy loam or clay
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Channel Islands, prefers coastal conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; germination occurs in spring.
Pre-treatment: Moist sinkers are placed in ziplock bags and moist medium, then put into cold, moist stratification at 40 F for 60 to 90 days. Acorns are hydrated in water for 48 hours just prior to sowing.
Establishment: Acorns are hand collected when they are fully matured, with August and September being the optimum for collection. Mature acorns are tannish-brown and easily separate from the caps. The Channel Island scrub oak is endemic to the Channel islands and inhabits chaparral and oak woodlands. The collection period varies, with one protocol suggesting late May to June and the other suggesting late August to November.
Source: npn.rngr.net