Coast Live Oak Woodland, Trail to Mt. Woodson, San Diego County
Coast live oak is the only native California oak that thrives in the coastal environment. It is somewhat tolerant of sea salt present in the coastal winds. Though live oaks are rarely found in the immediate shore, they usually are found in well drained soils of coastal hills and plains. It may be found in several coast live oak woodland communities such as in Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, in Poway, San Diego County.
Coast Live Oak Woodland, Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
Coast live oak are normally found within 62 miles from the ocean and at an elevation below 2300 ft, however, in Southern California, the coast live oaks are occasionally seen up to 5000 ft elevation.
Coast Live Oaks Lining Potato Chip Rock at Mt Woodson, @ 2800 ft elevation
On top of Potato Chip Rock with Coast Live Oak Behind the Rock
Coast live oak is an outstanding bird plant and is a food plant for the California Sister butterfly and mournful duskywing.
Red Tail Hawk Resting at a Branch of Coast Live Oak
Aside from the coastal live oak which is native to the coastal region of California, there are many other live oaks, which is a general term used for unrelated oaks, but share the same characteristic of evergreen foliage. The name "live oak" comes from the fact that the evergreen leaves remain green throughout the winter, when other oaks are leafless and dormant.
Wildflowers and Coastal Live Oak @ Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, Poway, San Diego County
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OMG! He is all the way up high? How brave!
ReplyDeleteI have seen these big trees and I do not know the name. There is so much to enjoy and see and admire nature, especially in the preserve.
Nice trees you have shared this week. When I am in the coast, I will pay attention to the surroundings especially the trees.
The information about the coast live oaks is interesting. I never thought about sea water affecting the growth of trees.
ReplyDeleteThat picture of Potato Chip Rock is scary. I think I'd be too terrified to go up there. :)
The potato chip rock is terrified. How about trying some jumping on top of it.
ReplyDeleteI love that shot of potato chip rock though I would be scared to death :D Your trees are so lovely and that Red Tail Hawk is amazing. To see him so close is such a treat. Betchai, well done
ReplyDeletethanks, all.
ReplyDeleteHaha, rainfield, I do not think I will dare free fall from that rock, though love to sit there sometimes and eat some cherries. It is pretty safe than it looks if it is not windy since the rock is wide enough, saw even dozen of people lining on that rock :)
Ebie, I was up there too, that makes me brave too? :)
there were a lot of birds today there Jo, mostly hawks, vultures and crows. The vulture was circling us at times made me scared, maybe was scared my pictures were all blurred :(
@ Ratty, it definitely is not for someone who has fear of heights, but this one is many times less scarier than Angel's Landing trail at Zion I featured almost a year ago.
As much as I like potato chips, the rock I would avoid as heights scare me! Really enjoyed your educational piece on the coast live oaks...and your photo of the red tail hack is unbelievable. I often see them airborne but never have I been able to get close enough to snap a photo!
ReplyDeleteWar...standing on the potato chip rock must be damn awesome huh! ;)
ReplyDeleteWow..2800 elevation? The coast live oak tree is so informative and interesting to learn, betchai. Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the beautiful natural areas of San Diego. The Coast Live Oak and Red tail Hawk are handsome looking. Potato Chip rock is fascinating, you are brave to climb up there!
ReplyDeleteOf all the trees I think the Oak tree is the most interesting. It has many varieties, and grows in various positions, and for many years, making it so amazing. Here in FL we have a town called Live Oak named after their Oak trees. It is fun to learn all this new information.
ReplyDeleteomg i wouldnt dare to stand up there on the rock. great pics on this post
ReplyDeletelooks dangerous standing on that rock
ReplyDeleteIs that you standing on the edge? It's making me nervous! Beautiful shot of the hawk!
ReplyDeleteThe potato chips photos are the winners. I really love those photos. I'm scared just looking at them but I am jealous at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI am speechless when I saw your pics at potato chips rock... Thats very dangerous!
ReplyDeleteYour comment regarding eating cherries while on the rock reminds me of what my college friend and I used to do. We would bring some cold beer and snacks - beef jerky- hiked up to somewhere peaceful and gazed into the beautiful scenery. We were always stressed as students and it was a way for us to relax. I missed those days.
ReplyDeleteI like the potato chip rock! :) But I am not sure if I would dare stand on it if it's too high. Kinda scary.
ReplyDeleteBoy! You are brave!! I still have to conquer my fear of heights!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bets, for the b-day greetings! Still have to find time on FB.
3rd and 4th pictures are amazing! Won't that chip rock break off??
ReplyDeleteInteresting post on oak trees too!
Beautiful photos, and wonderful information! The potato chip rock with your husband is a fantastic shot.
ReplyDeletelovely pictures you have here...
ReplyDeletei enjoy your blog, have a good new week:-)
Beautiful photos, Beth! I am so happy whenever I look at blogs...can't wait to be back full force! I am delighted to see such beautiful photos again. Gosh, I am fascinated by the potato chip rock. Really interesting!
ReplyDeleteI love your Potato rock photos.....seems fun to pose there.
ReplyDeleteWhoah! Wasn't it kind of scary to be on top of that rock, Betchai? Truly, you're one brave and adventurous soul,I envy you!
ReplyDeleteThat rock was great. What an amazing photo.
ReplyDeleteOh I love Blue Sky, but haven't been in years. I will have to go again soon!
ReplyDeleteWow the are nice trees, I like who the have more than one major trunk.
ReplyDeletePotato Chip rock looks amazing and just a little bit scary.
i don't think i can stand there like him!
ReplyDeleteThat is so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteBTW, what bird is that>?