Southern Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Also listed as Quercus virens, Dryopsila virens
Also known as Live Oak, Virginia Live Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A large evergreen oak with a broad, spreading crown and thick, gnarled branches, native to the southeastern United States. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and provides excellent shade and wildlife habitat.
Why grow it
Southern live oak outperforms many other large shade trees in the southeastern US by combining evergreen foliage, exceptional drought tolerance once established, and a long lifespan (often 300+ years). Its broad crown and sturdy branching structure make it valuable for permanent landscape structure where deciduous oaks would leave winter gaps. The tree also supports substantial wildlife value through acorn production and dense canopy architecture.
Watch out for
Young trees require consistent moisture during establishment (typically 2-3 years) despite the species' eventual drought tolerance, so water management during this period directly affects long-term survival. Its heavy wood density and thick branch structure mean it takes considerable time to reach productive shade or size, requiring patience in slower-growing zones or marginal sites. Soil compaction and poor drainage stress the species more than its upland oak relatives, even though it tolerates sandy soils well.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A large evergreen oak with a broad, spreading crown and thick, gnarled branches, native to the southeastern United States. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and provides excellent shade and wildlife habitat.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Southern Live Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Southern live oak outperforms many other large shade trees in the southeastern US by combining evergreen foliage, exceptional drought tolerance once established, and a long lifespan (often 300+ years). Its broad crown and sturdy branching structure make it valuable for permanent landscape structure where deciduous oaks would leave winter gaps. The tree also supports substantial wildlife value through acorn production and dense canopy architecture.
Watch out for
Young trees require consistent moisture during establishment (typically 2-3 years) despite the species' eventual drought tolerance, so water management during this period directly affects long-term survival. Its heavy wood density and thick branch structure mean it takes considerable time to reach productive shade or size, requiring patience in slower-growing zones or marginal sites. Soil compaction and poor drainage stress the species more than its upland oak relatives, even though it tolerates sandy soils well.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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