Plant Database
Coast Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
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.
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A cornerstone California native tree, forming a massive, broad-spreading, and often multi-trunked evergreen canopy that defines the landscape.
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Features classic, dark green, leathery leaves with spiny margins that are adapted to reduce water loss.
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Extremely drought tolerant once established, thriving in our summer-dry climate with little to no summer water—overwatering is a primary threat.
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Provides invaluable ecological benefits, offering acorns for wildlife and habitat for birds, insects, and mammals.
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Requires ample space for its extensive root system and ultimate size. Plant as a legacy tree in large gardens, parks, or open spaces.