Coastal Live Oak

Botanical Name: 
Quercus agrifolia
Family: 
Beech Family (Fagaceae) This family of 6 genera and hundreds of species includes important hardwood trees such as beeches, tanbark oaks, oaks, and chestnuts.
Origin: 
Native to Coastal California
At Hearst Castle: 
Many growing naturally throughout the garden. At least four of these native oaks were moved in the course of construction: One (still alive) was moved 1925-26 to make way for the North Wing, one (still alive) was moved in 1946 to make way for an addition to the South Wing, and at least one was moved on the Main Terrace.
Comments: 
Existing native oaks need special treatment in order to survive in a garden environment. Old wild trees cannot handle the excess water and nutrients that they receive in a garden. They should never have the grade level lowered or raised between the trunk and drip line, nor should they be watered in the summer within 4 feet of the trunk. Oak trees can easily be infected with oak root fungus (Armillaria). Fortunately, this fungus is not always fatal to the tree, and old trees can benefit from feeding and deep watering.
Description: 
Round-headed, wide-spreading evergreen tree to 70 feet high, often with a greater spread. Leaves hollylike, 1-3 inches long, slightly glossy on upper surface.