Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)
Photo by Downtowngal, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
about the species
Quercus agrifolia, the coast live oak, is a dominant evergreen oak of coastal California, occurring in woodlands, savannas, and mixed forests. It provides critical habitat and food resources for a wide range of wildlife and plays a foundational role in coastal ecosystems. Coast live oak is highly variable across its range and occupies diverse climatic and soil conditions, reflecting its ecological importance throughout much of California.
why species was selected
Coast live oak was selected due to its ecological significance and broad distribution. Genomic data can reveal patterns of local adaptation, population structure, and resilience to stressors such as drought, disease, and climate change, supporting long-term conservation of California oak woodlands.
