Canyon Live Oak

Scientific name
Quercus chrysolepis Liebm.

Common names
Canyon live oak, canyon oak, gold cup oak, live maul, maul oak, white live oak

Height
60 to 80 feet

Mature Tree DBH (Diam. at Breast Ht.)
1-4 ft; largest over 5 feet

Longevity
Up to 300 years

Sprouting
Variable sprouter

Acorn
1-1/2 in. long; thick, shallow cup,

Foliage
Evergreen; 3 in. long; persist 3 or 4 seasons on tree; usually not lobed; leathery

Shade Tolerance
Tolerant of shade

Fire Tolerance
Sensitive to hot fires

Elevation
300 to 5000 feet

Associates
Found with mixed conifer, chaparral, and woodland species; tanoak, Douglas-fir, Pacific madrone, coast live oak

Sites
Most widely distributed oak in CA.; sheltered north slopes and steep canyons

Identification Notes
Both a shrubby and tree form; very dense wood