Live Oak
Quercus wislizeniifam. Fagaceae
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Pl. ABE1 — Quercus wislizenii
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IOverview
Overview
Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii) is a tree native to California and the northwest of Mexico, belonging to the Fagaceae family. Known for its light requirement of full sun or partial shade, this plant thrives in moist soil that can be medium to heavy clay. Growing up to 20 meters tall, Live Oak is both ornamental and edible; its seeds are a valuable food source. One distinctive feature sets it apart: its evergreen nature, which allows it to retain leaves year-round, making it a prominent landscape element in its native regions.
Quick answers
What is Live Oak?
Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii) is a tree native to California and the northwest of Mexico, belonging to the Fagaceae family. Known for its light requirement of full sun or partial shade, this plant thrives in moist soil that can be medium to heavy clay.
What is Live Oak used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Live Oak
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Live Oak has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help bolster the body's defenses against pathogens.
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in Live Oak, exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. This compound also acts as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that can damage cells.
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.
Live Oak support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Live Oak thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist, medium to heavy clay soil. It is a large tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the planting site provides ample moisture while allowing for good drainage. Propagation can be done through seeds. Given its native range in California and Mexico Northwest, it is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection from extreme cold.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Live Oak for the first time
8steps
Start with a young Live Oak sapling for the best beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Live Oak sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late winter or early spring when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining but moisture-retentive. Amend with organic matter if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and regular watering until established. Prune lightly in late winter.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or diseased branches as needed, focusing on shaping the tree during its first few years.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, and neglecting to prune can harm a Live Oak.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:AdhesiveFire starterTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Mexico Northwest
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 (Fagaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fagaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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