Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii) | California Native Evergreen Oak

Interior Live Oak

15 Gallon·Standard

$179.00

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Interior Live Oak

Quercus wislizenii

A majestic California native evergreen oak with a dense canopy, leathery green foliage, and exceptional drought tolerance, vital for wildlife.

$179.00

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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.

Quercus wislizenii is a majestic, evergreen oak native to California and parts of Oregon, prized for its dense, rounded canopy, leathery green foliage, and remarkable adaptability. This variable tree or large shrub features a broad, irregular crown with reddish-brown to dark gray, deeply fissured bark with age. The leathery, dark green leaves are highly variable, ranging from lance-shaped to egg-shaped, often with spiny, rolled-under margins resembling holly leaves. In spring, inconspicuous female flowers and semi-showy yellow-green male catkins produce acorns that are a vital food source for birds, squirrels, deer, and other wildlife. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, it is an outstanding choice for native plantings, wildlife gardens, slopes, and large landscapes.

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.

oliage & Bark: Leathery, dark green, variable leaves (lance-shaped to egg-shaped, often with spiny, rolled-under edges); reddish-brown to dark gray, deeply fissured bark with age; evergreen.
Mature Height: 30-60 ft (can reach 90 ft in ideal conditions)
Mature Spread: 30-60 ft
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-10 ; Sunset 7-9, 14-16, 18-21
Light Requirement: Full sun
Core Benefits: Dense evergreen canopy, leathery holly-like foliage, exceptionally drought tolerant, vital wildlife habitat and food source, California native.
Best Uses: Native plantings, wildlife gardens, slopes, large landscapes, shade tree, specimen tree.

Q: How large does Interior Live Oak get?
A: It is a medium to large tree, typically reaching 30-60 feet in both height and spread at maturity, though it can reach up to 90 feet in ideal conditions. It can also grow as a large, shrubby form in exposed or difficult sites.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, it is exceptionally drought tolerant. It is well-adapted to California's dry summer climate and requires little to no supplemental water after the first few years.

Q: What makes its leaves unique?
A: The leathery, dark green leaves are highly variable but often have spiny, rolled-under edges, resembling holly leaves. This adaptation helps reduce water loss and deter herbivores.

Q: Does it produce acorns?
A: Yes, it produces abundant acorns that are a vital food source for birds, squirrels, deer, and other wildlife. Acorns typically mature in late summer to fall.

Q: Is it a good choice for slopes?
A: Yes, its deep root system and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for slope stabilization and erosion control in native landscapes.