Mature Quercus agrifolia (Coastal live oak)

Agrifolia refers to a holly-leaved oak. The leaves are small, shiny and convex, a gorgeous contrast to the massive and odd-shaped branches. These trees in particular are part of what I fell in love with about California. We have several of them on our property, which borders on a seasonal creek that coastal live oaks love. Last summer, our tree guy recommended cutting one giant branch back; it was leaning dangerously far out to get enough sun. I couldn’t bear to cut it. So during the big storms last Thanksgiving, that branch broke catastrophically. I owe the tree an apology. 

The one in this photo graces the local high school and probably has more skilled owners caring for it.