The canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) is a tough, drought-tolerant evergreen oak of western rocky slopes. This guide covers growing one from seed, plus our own grow log from the Spring Mason kit.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Quercus chrysolepis |
|---|---|
| Native range | Southwestern Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona, south into northwestern Mexico, at roughly 650 to 9,000 feet |
| Mature size | 20 to 60 feet tall, with a spreading crown, and sometimes shrubby |
| Lifespan | [Your data: lifespan] |
| Sunset climate zones | [Verify: Sunset zones] (USDA zone 7) |
| Annual growth rate | [Your data: ft per year] |
| Seed source | [State] [Year] |
| Time to germinate | [Your data: days from sowing to sprout in the kit] |
| Difficulty | [Your rating: easy / moderate / challenging] |
Seed and germination
- Scarification (soaking): [Your data]
- Cold Stratification: [Your data]
- Germination: [Your data]
Watch our canyon live oak seeds go from sowing to sprout on our YouTube channel, @SpringMasonTV.
Growing in the kit
[Your data: how the kit is set up, how much water the reservoir holds, how often to refill it, where to place it for light, and what temperatures work.]
Canyon live oak grows in full sun to partial shade on acidic to neutral soils, and is drought tolerant once established.
Year one and beyond
[Your data: milestones, such as first true leaves, height at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and when a seedling is ready to move to a larger pot or the ground.]
Acorns mature in under two years, with heavy crops about every two to three years.
Our grow log
| Date | Stage | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Date sown] | Sown | [Your notes] | |
| [Date] | Germinated | [Your notes] | |
| [Date] | [Stage] | [Height] | [Your notes] |
[Time-lapse video goes here.]
Troubleshooting and FAQ
My seeds are not sprouting. Not every seed is viable. [Your data: how many seeds are in the vial and the germination rate we see.]
My seedling is collapsing or has gray mold. Seedlings are prone to damping-off, a fungal problem linked to excess moisture and poor airflow. [Your data: what to look for and what to do.]
Can I plant it outside? Oregon State University lists canyon live oak for USDA zone 7. [Your data: climate guidance and timing.]
Sources
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants, Quercus chrysolepis (native range, size, hardiness)
- University of Redlands, Canyon Live Oak species account (elevation range, habitat, acorns)