Coastal sage scrub oak is a woody shrub or small tree native to coastal California and Baja California. It grows 3-10 feet tall with holly-like evergreen leaves and produces oblong acorns in early spring. Coastal sage scrub oak is drought tolerant once established and provides habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. It is suitable for use on slopes, parking strips, and other areas requiring a tough, drought-tolerant plant.

1. Coastal Sage Scrub Oak – Quercus berberidifolia (KWER-kus ber-ber-id-i-FO-lee-a)
Family: Fagaceae (Beech Family)
Native to: Much debate on this taxon, but may include most of coastal CA into Baja; locally on
sandy soils near coast, chaparral, sandstone, coastal sage scrub below 600', South Coast to Baja.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/tree mature height:3-10+ ft. (to 20) mature width:4-8 ft.
Woody shrub or small tree with shrub-like habit. Semi-erect with many branches and relatively
small, dark, waxy evergreen leaves. Looks somewhat like a dwarf Coast Liveoak (Quercus agrifolia)
& hybridizes with other native oaks. Leaves are ‘holly-like’ in some plants. Deep roots.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in early spring. Male flowers on drooping catkins, but only mildly showy.
Female flowers insignificant. Acorns are oblong, rather like Coast Liveoak.
Uses in the garden: Most often used on slopes and in other areas that need a tough, drought-
tolerant shrub/tree. Small size makes it appropriate for smaller yards, parking strips, along
roadsides, etc. Excellent habitat value and easy to grow in well-drained soils. Acorns can be
prepared for food. May also be sold as ‘Quercus dumosa’.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs of similar size.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides cover for many birds & insects; and acorns for jays,
small mammals.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part shade
Soil Well-drained soils; tolerates slightly alkali soils (to pH 8.5)
Water Very drought tolerant once established (Zone 1 or 1-2)
Fertilizer Do not fertilize
Other
Management: Pretty easy to grow. Do not disturb roots or over-water. Let leaf litter
accumulate, but rake it away from the trunk.
Propagation: from seed: easy, plant in fall in pots or ground by cuttings: difficult
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19 11/3/09
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