Coast Live Oak, California Live Oak

Quercus agrifolia

Coast Live Oaks are evergreen trees found all throughout the coastal regions of western California. Reportedly, they can reach ages of 1,000 years old, and I have even heard of one reaching 2,000 years old, though on average they live no longer than 250 years old. They can grow to become very large trees, some reaching over 30 meters or 100 feet, but most are considered medium-sized trees. Their shape and size varies greatly, but usually their leaves are small and spinose (spiny, pointy, or prickly at the edges).

Like many other trees, Coast Live Oaks offer many uses to both humans and animals. Their acorns provide food, their wood provides timber, and its canopy offers a nice amount of shade. They are an indispensable part of many woodland ecosystems of California.