Live Oak

Live oaks, also known as Quercus virginiana, are large, long-lived, evergreen oaks with a rounded crown, short trunk, and low branching. The species is native to coastal plains and woods from Virginia to southern Florida and Texas. Throughout most of its range, this majestic tree has massive spreading limbs and branches often covered with Spanish moss. Many old southern roads were planted with live oaks, which have become a symbol of the region over time.

During the spring, female and male catkins with yellowish-green flowers appear. The fruit is an ellipsoidal acorn reaching about one inch in length, and the scaly cups are approximately one-third the size of the acorn. Many species of wildlife depend on acorns for food. The tree has shiny dark green leaves that range in shape from oblong to elliptic. The leaves are evergreen. Due to its high density, wood makes an excellent fuel. The acorns of live oaks mature in one year.

It is winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10. In areas where it is winter hardy, it is easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates a wide range of soils.