live oak
Quercus virginiana
USDA zones8 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size40 to 80 feet tall60 to 100 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is a tree for shade gardens, specimen planting, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Birds and squirrels use it for cover and eat the acorns. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Treat surface wounds and avoid root damage to guard against oak wilt.
Pairs well with American holly, Beautyberry, Big bluestem, and Autumn fern.
Native range
Southeastern United States and Mexico.