Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)

Before you are groves of very small Coast Live Oaks.  Some trees top out at a magnificent height of five feet!   It is from these trees that the "Elfin Forest" gets its name  There has been much debate as to why these trees are so small.  They are the same species as the Live Oaks that grow elsewhere to some 50 feet.  An acorn from here, at an inland location, in rich soil, with adequate water, might grow into a large tree.  Nutrients, salt, wind trimming and moisture are the most probable factors.  In "Rose Bowker Grove" (#14) trees are around 20' tall.  As the Jay flys that is only a few hundred feet from where you stand now.