Canyon Live Oak
Quercus chrysolepis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) is an evergreen oak native to Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon. This drought-tolerant tree blooms in April and May, supporting bees and wasps.
Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Canyon Live Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
240"–720" H × 240"–600" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, wasps
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Canyon live oak is a majestic, long-lived evergreen tree with distinctive golden scales on the underside of its leathery leaves. It grows slowly into a broad, rounded form with dense foliage that provides year-round shade. This drought-tolerant oak is well-suited for large landscape spaces where it can reach its full potential.
Growing Canyon Live Oak
Grow Canyon Live Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Canyon Live Oak is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Extremely large mature size may overwhelm front yards
- Acorn drop can create maintenance concerns
- Slow growth means decades to reach mature form
Wildlife value
Host plant for California sister butterfly.
Canyon live oak provides significant habitat value, producing acorns that feed numerous wildlife species including birds, squirrels, and deer. Its spring flowers support native bees and wasps as important early-season pollinators.
Common questions
- Where does Canyon Live Oak naturally grow?
- Canyon Live Oak is native to the southwestern and western United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon.
- When does Quercus chrysolepis bloom?
- Canyon Live Oak typically blooms during April and May.
- What pollinators visit Canyon Live Oak?
- Bees and wasps are the primary pollinators that visit Canyon Live Oak flowers.
- How much water does Canyon Live Oak need?
- This oak species is drought-tolerant and has low water requirements once established, making it well-suited to arid and semi-arid climates.
- Is Canyon Live Oak toxic to dogs?
- Canyon Live Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Canyon Live Oak toxic to cats?
- Canyon Live Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Canyon Live Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Canyon Live Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Canyon Live Oak HOA-friendly?
- Canyon Live Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Canyon Live Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz