Ornamental Of The Month: Southern Live Oak
January 5, 2010 
The southern live oak is one of the most distinctive trees native to the Deep South and one of the most commonly seen in Florida landscapes. It is an evergreen tree that can grow 40 to 80 feet tall and has a horizontal-forming canopy that often grows more than 60 feet wide. The small, oval-shaped leaves are dark green on the upper surfaces and a grayish-green underneath. They are evergreen and remain on the tree through the winter. In early spring, the tree sheds most of these leaves over a period of several weeks as the new growth emerges. In spring, it blooms producing pendulant catkins that are a cream color. These are followed by small, dark-brown acorns. These acorns are an important food source for many native animals and birds.
Standing Tall
Location Consideration
Several cultivars of Quercus virginiana have become available with different growth habits. ‘Boardwalk’ develops an upright and pyramidal canopy. ‘Cathedral’ develops a strong central leader and an upright form. ‘Highrise’ grows with a narrow and upright pyramidal form. ‘Millennium’ develops a strong center leader with a rounded canopy. ‘Park Side’ also grows a strong center leader and has a horizontal branching form.
Southern Live Oak Specs
Common name: Southern live oak
Origin: Southeastern U.S., from southeastern Virginia to eastern Texas
Growth Habit: Large, evergreen tree with a spreading growth habit; 40 to 80 feet tall and can have a spread of more than 60 feet wide
Aesthetics/Characteristics: Narrow, oval leaves are dark green on the top and grayish-green underneath; trunk has rough and deeply furrowed bark
Hardiness: Zones 7-11
Landscape Use: Southern live oak can be used as a shade or specimen tree in a large yard or estate. It also is ideal as a street tree, where space permits.
Eric Schmidt is the botanical recordkeeper at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL.
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