How much sun does Coastal sage scrub oak need?

Coastal sage scrub oak grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Coastal sage scrub oak bloom?

Coastal sage scrub oak blooms in March and April.

Where is Coastal sage scrub oak native?

Coastal sage scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Coastal sage scrub oak host?

Coastal sage scrub oak is a larval host plant for California sister.

Coastal sage scrub oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus dumosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Coastal sage scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–120" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A dense, evergreen shrub with small, spiny-toothed, holly-like leaves that form thickets on dry coastal slopes and chaparral. Produces small acorns and tolerates poor soil, drought, and periodic fire.

Wildlife value

Host plant for California sister.

As a native oak, it hosts caterpillars of the California sister butterfly and other oak-feeding insects, and its acorns are an important food source for jays, woodpeckers, and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Coastal sage scrub oak need?: Coastal sage scrub oak grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Coastal sage scrub oak bloom?: Coastal sage scrub oak blooms in March and April.
Where is Coastal sage scrub oak native?: Coastal sage scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Coastal sage scrub oak host?: Coastal sage scrub oak is a larval host plant for California sister.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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