Tree Description
Live oaks are large, stately trees that commonly grow to 50 feet tall with a short, stout trunk about 4 feet in diameter. The trunk divides into several large, twisting limbs that form a low, dense crown that can spread more than 100 feet. The limbs often touch the ground in open areas.
Range / Site Description
These trees occur naturally on well-drained soils in the southern coastal plain, ranging from Virginia through the Atlantic and Gulf states to Texas. In Texas, their range extends west to the Balcones Escarpment and south to Hidalgo County. They are also widely planted as landscape trees.
Leaf
The thick, evergreen leaves are simple, alternate, 2” to 4” long and ½” to 2” wide, and oval, oblong, or elliptical in shape. The leaf’s upper surface is smooth, glossy, and dark green; its lower surface is pale and silvery white. Leaves can sometimes be toothed, especially toward the tip.
Flower & Fruit
Male and female flowers appear on the same tree in spring. The male flowers are borne on catkins up to 3” long. Female flowers are borne on a peduncle 1” to 3” long in the leaf axil.
The fruit is an acorn, about 1” long and ½” in diameter, oblong in shape, dark brown and shiny in color, and set about one-half its length in a gray downy cup that is borne on a long stem or peduncle. The fruit requires one year to mature.
Interesting Facts
Live oaks were once prized for their naturally curved limbs and trunks. They were used by shipbuilders in the 18th Century to fashion the ribs and planking of tall sailing ships, such as the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”). Refitting that ship in the 1980’s included specialty pieces cut from live oaks in Texas that had been killed by the oak wilt fungus.
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Quercus virginiana |
| Secondary Names: | Coast Live Oak |
| Tree Type: | Evergreen |
| Dimensions: | Height: 50 feet Trunk Diameter: 4 feet |
| Leaf Structure: | Simple, alternate |
| Leaf Size: | 2-4 inches long and 0.5-2 inches wide |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval, oblong, or elliptical |
| Leaf Margin: | Toothed |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – Live Oak |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – Live Oak