Spanish moss is often used as an indicator of pollution levels in cities. The ancient trees that canopy St. Charles Avenue and spruce up City Park grow to massive size, typically 50 feet high and 150 feet wide. The oaks are also tourist attractions and fodder for folklore. Though the Southern live oak never loses its leaves, small, yellowish-green flowers do bloom on it in the spring. When the flower is fertilized, it transforms into an acorn and falls to the ground.
Most acorns end up as meals for squirrels rather than new oak trees.
Southern live oaks thrive in nutrient-rich coastal soil. This gives them strong, low-hanging branches that are perfect for monkeying around. They're like a big jungle gym. He says he even played tag with his friends in the Tree of Life in Audubon Park. The game ended when McCall tumbled out of the tree.