The Kashaya Pomo name for tanoak means “beautiful tree”
(Goodrich et al. 1990). Tanoak is an attractive tree that is
shade tolerant. Tanoak can be easily propagated by seed. Use
only fresh seeds, as the seeds do not retain viablity. The seeds
of tanoak require no pretreatment and germinate quickly. Tanoak
acorns germinate faster if they are planted with their point
facing upward in the soil (McMurray 1989). The seeds may be
directly sown into the ground or planted into flats or pots
using a light soil mixture or peat moss. If flats are used it is
necessary to transfer the seeds into pots or the ground once
they have germinated. Pots should be of the kind that are long
and deep to allow for the taproot to develop. Set the seeds or
seedlings into a carefully chosen spot keeping in mind that they
can be long lived, with an average age of about 180 years and a
maximum to 400 years. Seedlings do best in a moist area with
partial shade. Do not plant in areas with frequent irrigation.
Give seedlings an occasional de