Coast Live oak

Leaves:

-Cupped downward

-Alternate leaf pattern

-Oval or rounded, convex (cupped downward) leaves

-Can grow up to 2 1⁄2 in. (7 cm) long

-Short-stalked

-Hard and leathery texture

-Spine-tipped edges

-Smooth and shiny green on top of leaf

-Duller green and fuzz present on bottom of leaf.

The name, "live oak" comes from the distinction that this tree retains its green, live appearance during the winter months, when many other oaks may look lifeless due to their leafless appearance. If you look at the leaf closely you will notice that the shape appears cupped, or spoon shaped as the leaf edges turn down to give it a distinctive style. This helps identify the Coast Live oak from its associated tree species, the Interior Live oak. Both of these species inhabit the same valley oak woodlands habitat and are often confused with each other.

To the California Indians the coast live oak was more than a symbol. It was perhaps the single most important plant species to the indigenous peoples. They ate acorns, created bowls and utensils from the wood, and started fires with the bark and wood. Medicinal remedies were prepared from oak bark and leaves