Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Quercus durata var. durata is the most common variety of Leather Oak. It tends to grow at elevations from 500-4900 feet, primarily in the central Coast Ranges. The other variety, var. gabrielensis, is a rare plant restricted to the Transverse Range. Leather oak is often found on serpentine soils. However, in the garden this plant does not require serpentine soil and can tolerate garden soil as well as drought and clay-rich soils. However, it is best adapted to relatively dry, rocky, nutrient-poor soil. Most individuals remain short, under 15 feet, and have small, densely organized leaves.

Plant type

Tree, Shrub

Size

3 - 12 ft Tall
3 - 12 ft Wide

Form

Mounding

Growth rate

Slow

Dormancy

Evergreen

Fragrance

None

Calscape icon
Color

Cream, Green

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Bank stabilization, Hedge

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Low, Very Low

Summer irrigation

Never irrigate once established

Ease of care

Moderate

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 10° F

Soil drainage

Medium

Soil description

Although often found in serpentine soil, it is tolerant of other soils as long as nutrient level is low and drainage is adequate. Tolerates serpentine soil..
Soil PH: 6.0 - 7.0

Propagation

For propagating by seed: Fresh seeds sow in fall outdoors or stratify to hold for spring sowing. (USDA Forest Service 1974).

Sunset Zones

5, 7*, 8, 9, 10, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Site type

Typically found as part of chaparral in rocky, foothill or mountainous areas

Plant communities

Chaparral, Foothill Woodland

Use with other plants of the mountainous chaparral and woodlands, such as Madrone (Arbutus menziesii), Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), Ceanothus spp., Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), various annuals and geophytes.

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 154 likely

Confirmed Likely

Abagrotis baueri

Sallow Button

Acleris hastiana

Acrobasis caliginella

Acrobasis comptella