Quercus virginiana (Live Oak, Southern Live Oak)

Botanical Information

FamilyFagaceae
GenusQuercus
Speciesvirginiana
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginIt is native to coastal plains and woods from Virginia to southern Florida and Texas.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8 - 10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2 - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height12 - 24 m
Spread18 - 30 m
Flowering PeriodMarch, April, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA large, long-lived, evergreen oak that typically grows 12 - 24 m tall with a short trunk, low branching and a broad-spreading rounded crown.
ID CharacteristicThis species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ShapeA short trunk, low branching and a broad-spreading rounded crown.
LandscapeA shade tree for large lawns or parks.
CultivationGrow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun. Plant tolerates a wide range of soils.
Notable SpecimensHarry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatFound at an altitude of 0-200 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionA short trunk, low branching and a broad-spreading rounded crown.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionYellowish-green
Leaf DescriptionElliptic to obovate, leathery, shiny dark evergreen green leaves to 12 cm long with smooth edges.
Flower DescriptionMonoecious yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring.
Fruit DescriptionShowy ellipsoidal acorns to 3 cm long, with scaly cups that extend to approximately 1/3 the acorn length.
Texture DescriptionAcorns are valued food for a variety of wildlife.

Photographs