Californian Black Oak
Quercus kelloggii
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Pl. 86B4 — Quercus kelloggii
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IOverview
Overview
The Californian Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) is a deciduous tree native to California and Oregon. Known for its light requirement of full sun to partial shade and preference for moist soil, this oak thrives in medium to heavy clay soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and is valued for its edible acorns, which are an important food source for wildlife and indigenous peoples. One distinctive feature of the Californian Black Oak is its ability to adapt to various habitats within its native range, making it a resilient and ornamental addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Californian Black Oak?
The Californian Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) is a deciduous tree native to California and Oregon. Known for its light requirement of full sun to partial shade and preference for moist soil, this oak thrives in medium to heavy clay soils with a pH between 5.
What is Californian Black Oak used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Californian Black Oak
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Californian Black Oak bark has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to aid digestion, often prepared as a tea. The tannins and other compounds may help soothe digestive discomfort.
Tannins present in oak species can have an astringent effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing irritation and promoting healing.
- Californian Black Oak has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction. The tannins and flavonoids present may help modulate inflammatory responses.
Tannins and flavonoids found in oak species have anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate the body's response to pathogens without suppressing beneficial immune activity.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Californian Black Oak support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Californian Black Oak thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, medium to heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It is hardy in zones 8-11 and can grow up to 25 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the recommended method. Ensure the tree has adequate water, especially during dry periods, as it requires moist conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
25.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Californian Black Oak for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Californian Black Oak tree for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Californian Black Oak sapling, well-draining soil, and a garden trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler and more stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5, and amend with organic matter if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young sapling into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the tree deeply every few days to help it establish, then reduce frequency once new growth appears.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the soil feels dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulching, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:AdhesiveDyeAnimal feedTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Oregon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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