California Live Oak, Encina, Coast Live oak
Quercus agrifolia

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 12 m high and spreads 10 m wide. It has branches almost to the ground. The bark is smooth and black. It becomes rough with age. The leaves are oval or round. They have a hard texture and teeth with spines along the edge. The fruit are acorns which are half enclosed in the cup.

There are about 600 Quercus species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The acorns are leached in water until the bitter tannin is removed and then ground into meal for use in breads and soup. They can be sun dried and stored.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts, acorns

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Quercus acroglandis Kellogg; Quercus acutiglandis Sarg.; Quercus agrifolia var. frutescens Engelm.; Quercus agrifolia var. oxyadenia (Torr.) J. T. Howell; Quercus oxyadenia Torr.; Quercus pricei Sudw.;