Island Oak Tree | Evergreen California Native Tree

Island Oak

15 Gallon

$179.90

1/4

Island Oak

Quercus Tomentella

Rare CA Native Coastal Evergreen • Graceful Rounded Form • Ideal for Mild Coastal Microclimates

$179.90

Size 15 Gallon 24" Box 36" Box 48" Box

24-hour Money-back Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Island Oak is a rare and beautiful California native evergreen oak, closely related to the Coast Live Oak but with a slightly more refined appearance. It features leaves with less pronounced spines and often a grayer underside. It is ideally suited to the milder coastal climates of the Bay Area and is a excellent choice for a stately, native shade tree.

A California native endemic to the Channel Islands, adapted to mild coastal and island climates.
Similar to Coast Live Oak but often considered to have a slightly more graceful, rounded habit and leaves that are less sharply toothed.
Prefers the moderate, fog-influenced conditions of coastal zones but is also quite drought-tolerant once established.
Provides the same significant wildlife value and majestic presence as other native live oaks, perfect for larger coastal properties.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Oblong, leathery leaves with wavy margins and spiny teeth. The leaves are dark green on top with a distinctive gray-green underside and often have curled-under edges.Flowers: Insignificant yellowish-green catkins in spring.Fruit: Produces classic acorns in the fall.Bark & Habit: An evergreen tree with a broad, rounded, dense crown and a stout trunk. The bark is dark gray-brown and becomes checkered with age. Branches often have a picturesque, spreading habit.
Mature Height: 25-50 ft.
Mature Width: 25-50 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Rare and stately evergreen oak.Excellent drought tolerance once established.Provides dense, year-round shade.Important habitat tree for wildlife.Well-suited to coastal conditions
Landscape Uses:Specimen shade tree for large landscapes.Park and golf course plantings.Street tree in wide planting strips.Wildlife gardens

Q: Where does it grow best in the Bay Area?A:It thrives in thecoastal fog zones(Sunset zones 15-17). In hotter inland valleys, it may struggle with extreme heat and low humidity unless provided with some afternoon shade and occasional deep water.