BUMPER CROP OF ACORNS COMING
I took this Blip yesterday, knowing today would be too miserable to be out & about. Although the crows are braving the weather, the cold lashing wind & rain have kept Angus & I indoors
This is the first time I have seen clusters of flowers on this tree, which I believe is a native COAST LIVE OAK. The leaves look like Holly, but the
long slender ACORNS in the Autumn are a clue. I did not see any bees
on these flowers, maybe, because they are wind pollinated. All the recent rain is responsible for all these clusters of insignificant flowers, I am sure.
QUERCUS agrifolia, is a strong, hardy tree found in the dry coastal valleys of California & Mexico, growing from 30-80 ft. (10-24 meters); and can live 250 years. In my area I notice they grow in groves in the arroyos, where water is more available; but, there are some huge sentinel trees, growing alone.
They provide habitat & food for many animals & birds, including
scrub jays, turkey vultures & squirrels. They can survive our high winds, drought & even are resistant to fire.
This once common tree is now protected because habitat loss has
made it a rare sight. Our neighborhood planted many small trees, so
years from now, they will safely grow into majestic giants..
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