Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia
This magnificent oak tree is easily identified by it’s gnarled branches and is an important keystone species for wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem. Each spring, it’s flowers and its acorns attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies— more than 250 species rely on these trees for habitat and food.
As a coastal species, this tree enjoys fog and mild winters, so within the first year after planting, it needs weekly deep waterings to get established. This can then be reduced to once a month until it reaches 10 feet tall, and then watering should be avoided. Best to plant this tree in full sun. This tree doesn’t need fertilizer, but you can leave their leaves to provide a natural mulch. These trees often live past 250 years, and can grow impressively tall, reaching mature heights up to 80 feet.
This tree does well with other native plants growing underneath it!
