60 feet tall drought tolerant: Canyon Live Oak
- Binomial Name: Quercus Chrysolepis
- Soil Type: Moist to dry, well-drained soil
- Sunlight: Prefers Full Sun or light shade
- Form/Growth: Oval Form, Groves Create a Canopy
- Plant Type: Medium-Sized Tree
- Foliage: Evergreen
- Flowering: Yes (tiny flowers bloom mid to late spring)
Mainly found in southwestern Oregon and further south to California and Arizona growing in canyons or open areas. They can be planted in landscapes without irrigation, good drainage, and lots of sun. Canyon Live Oak trees have been added to some City of Beaverton landscapes and can be found on the Beaverton Approved Tree list on the 9-foot plus width planter list. This drought tolerant native evergreen tree is a favorite of the Beaverton Urban Forestry department.
This tree can reach up to 60 ft tall in most places but stays on the smaller side in dry conditions and is long-lived (around 300 years). The sometimes spiny, and sometimes smooth leaves grow to about 2.5 inches long. Canyon Live Oaks produce oblong acorns about 1 inch in diameter that make great food for wildlife.
This story has been brought to you by the City of Beaverton’s Landscape and Urban Forestry Department.
