Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is the only California native oak that actually thrives in the coastal environment. Although it is rare on the immediate shore, it enjoys the mild winter and summer climate afforded by ocean proximity. It is also somewhat tolerant of aerosol-borne sea salt and coastal fog supplies relief from the rainless California summer heat.

In addition, the Coast Live Oak is a somewhat fire resistant tree—adaptions for fire resistance include evergreen leaves and very thick bark. They retain their acorns longer than most other California oak trees and depend on animals like ground squirrels and birds like scrub jays for acorn dispersal and regeneration.

To learn more about the Coast Live Oak, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jon 'ShakataGaNai' Davis