Quercus agrifolia   Coastal Live Oak Fagaceae

  Quercus agrifolia   Quercus agrifolia

  Native to California, found south to Baja and north to Oregon. Endangered (due to development). Also susceptible to sudden oak death. Slow to moderate growth evergreen tree, up to 40' design height, 60' mature height. Spreading, dense. Simple leaves, alternately arranged, 1 to 3" long, dark green. "Prickly", serrated and elliptic. Holly-like appearance, margins tend to roll, not lay flat (cup-shaped, with tiny tufts of 'hair').

Flowers are small, in catkins, bloom in March and April and intermittently in February. Brown fruit, 1 to 1 1/2". Prefers full sun, light to no water, loam. Tolerates poor soil, drought and heat.

Use as a shade tree, specimen tree, can be used as a clipped hedge, goes well with Spanish architecture.

Photos taken at Gamble Garden.