Common Name(s): Southern Live Oak

Synonym(s):

Family: Fagaceae

Native To: Northern Mexico through Texas and much of the southeastern United States

Native Habitat: Hot, humid regions with deep soil

Growth Habit: Large evergreen tree

Flowering: Flowers form in the spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: This massive, long-lived, evergreen tree reaches an average height of 50 feet with a spread of 150 feet or more. The lower limbs sweep down to the ground and then curve upward. The branches typically hold spanish moss, resurrection fern, and other epiphytes. The dark red-brown to gray bark is deeply furrowed. The trunk can grow to more than 6 feet in diameter. The thick, leathery, oval, dark green leaves are about 1 ½ to 4 inches long and ½ to 2 inches wide. The leaves are also gray-green and hairy beneath. The flowers typically hang down and are 2 to 3 inches long. The flowers form in the spring, when the new leaves grow. The acorns that follow are small, long and tapered, and dark brown to black. The acorns mature the following September and then fall before the end of December.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: This species of oak is considered by many to be an emblem of the Old South, as it was planted extensively on plantations and at homes all over the region. This is also the official state tree of Georgia.

Ethnobotany: The acorns can be used by humans, but are an important food source to the wildlife. The wood is heavy and strong, but not used much commercially. One variety of the species has been used successfully in Texas to revegetate coal mine spoils. Most notably though, this species is used as an ornamental. Its enormous spread makes it an excellent shade tree and a beautiful site to look at. During the time period when wooden ships were made, the U.S. Navy sought after this species. The massive, durable branches were used for the ship ribs and knees. It is believed also that long ago, Native Americans used this tree as trail markers by staking saplings down, causing them to grow in certain angles to mark directions.

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