Quercus virginiana   

Live Oak

Family: Fagaceae
Zone: 7-10                              Average Size: 50’H x 75’W

Identification: 

-Broad-spreading form to mounding at maturity, lower branches may touch the ground
-Simple leaf, elliptic with a rounded apex, leathery, dark glossy green
-Margin of leaf is entire, although late season and juvenile may have spines
-Black to dark gray bark with deep furrows
-Small acorns in cluster during spring

Note:   A stately oak native to the coastal regions of Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Unusual compared to other oaks because the lack of a strong central trunk. Instead, the Live Oak spreads close to the ground creating a mounding form that can withstand tropical storms. Considered evergreen by some, the Live Oak actually holds its leaves through winter where they turn brown and fall in the early spring at the same time flowering occurs. New leaves shortly follow. Tremendous amounts of pollen shed, acorn and leaf fall and pruning to remove the low branches along streets and walkways may be considered maintenance concerns.

Campus Location: Julian C. Miller Hall, east entry