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 deep watering until established.