The Coast Live Oak is the quintessential, majestic native evergreen oak of coastal California. It forms a broad, dense, and picturesque canopy of dark green, holly-like leaves, providing critical habitat and deep shade. Incredibly drought-adapted and long-lived, it is a foundational tree for creating authentic, water-wise native landscapes and supporting local wildlife in the Bay Area. A cornerstone California native tree, forming a massive, broad-spreading, and often multi-trunked evergreen canopy that defines the landscape. Features classic, dark green, leathery leaves with spiny margins that are adapted to reduce water loss. Extremely drought tolerant once established, thriving in our summer-dry climate with little to no summer water—overwatering is a primary threat. Provides invaluable ecological benefits, offering acorns for wildlife and habitat for birds, insects, and mammals. Requires ample space for its extensive root system and ultimate size. Plant as a legacy tree in large gardens, parks, or open spaces.
