The Coast Live Oak is the premier native tree species in the City of Los Angeles . Coast Live Oaks are found predominately in the Santa Monica Mountain range. They often grow on the northern and eastern facing areas where the summers afternoon sun is not as intense but they may be found all over the range. For the most part, these trees are not found naturally occurring in the valley floor or basin of the City.

Coast Live Oak trees are evergreen, long-lived, and naturally occur in both single and multi-trunk form. These trees are commonly found in groups and actually comprise the main flora of what is termed an Oak Woodland. Coast Live Oak trees can grow to heights of sixty feet or more and spread to nearly one hundred feet. The trees are extremely well adapted to the California climate and very tolerant of drought. In fact, if their native dry environment is changed and heavy irrigation is applied, it is not unusual for these trees to become stressed, acquire fungal pests, and even die. Coast Live Oak are truly one of the City's most valuable natural resources. Therefore, they have been included in the City's Protected Tree Ordinance.

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