Campus Tree Tour
Fagaceae - Beech Family
In 2024, the southern live oak planted on the Reitz Lawn measured 85.5 feet tall and had a diameter of 53 inches. Based on USDA Forest Service models, it will absorb approximately 168 lbs. of carbon over the next 20 years, offsetting up to 678 car miles worth of carbon dioxide.
In 2024, the southern live oak planted on the Newins Ziegler Lawn measured 53.9 feet tall with a diameter of 40 inches. Based on USDA Forest Service models, it will absorb approximately 133 lbs. of carbon, or 530 car miles worth of carbon dioxide, over the next 20 years.
See all species on our Campus Tree Tour.
Introduction
Southern live oaks are one of the most iconic trees of the coastal plain of the Southeastern United States. It is a long-lived tree and at maturity, it can have a large diameter stem and a wide spreading crown. These features, in combination with Spanish moss hanging from the branches, make them desirable as a planting along roadsides, in yards, and urban settings. Often seen growing openly in pastures, cattle and other livestock are known to gather in its shade.
Physical Description
Life expectancy: 300-500 years
Height: 60-90 feet
Crown: Can span greater than 150 feet
Diameter: 60 inches +
Bark: Reddish brown to a dark brown bark that becomes deeply furrowed with age.
Leaves: Dark evergreen leaves, simple, and alternately arranged upon a stem. Its margin is entire, and the shape ranges from oval to linear with a rounded tip. It is thick and leathery to the touch.
Twig: Will have a cluster of buds at the very end of the twig, which often signifies that the plant is an oak.
Flowers: Yellow-green catkins (male flowers) and small spike flowers (female) are produced in the spring.
Fruits: Dark brown acorns when mature are ¾ inch in size.
Key Identification Characteristics: Evergreen leaves, alternating arrangement, furrowed bark
Past and Present Uses
Historically, the wood from the southern live oak was used for building wooden sailing ships. The dense wood and curved branches were ideal for the ribs and sides of ships. Naval vessels made from live oak, like the USS Constitution, were called ironsides since cannon balls would bounce off when struck. The acorns were also an important food source for indigenous people.
Currently, the southern live oak is planted as an ornamental tree for its physical beauty. In urban settings, it is crucial that the tree has ample root space at least 10 feet away from paved surfaces to prevent the roots from damaging concrete.
Ecological Importance
Origin: Native to the United States
Native Range: Found from Southeastern Virginia south to Florida; west to Texas (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Native range of Southern Live Oak. Photo credit: U.S. Geological Survey
Southern live oaks thrive on various sites in Florida. They grow in coastal areas and along creeks, rivers, and lakes that occasionally flood. The oak can also grow on upland sites, particularly in areas previously used for agriculture or in longleaf pine forests where fire has been suppressed. The southern live oak is often found with other species such as laurel oak, water oak, sweetgum, and loblolly pine.
The large crown of the tree provides habitat for many other plants. The branches are often covered with resurrection ferns, various mosses, lichens, and orchids. These provide habitat for numerous species of insects, spiders, and lizards which then serve as a food source for various birds such as woodpeckers, warblers, wrens, and vireos.
Acorn production is high and has low tannin content, making them a desirable food source for birds such as blue jays, woodpeckers, and crows, and mammals such as deer, hogs, squirrels, and black bears.
More Information
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST564
References
Carey, J. H. (1992). Quercus virginiana. Fire Effects Information System. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/quevir/all.html#19
Harms, W. R. (n.d.). Live Oak. Quercus virginiana mill. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/quercus/virginiana.htm
i-Tree. (2006). Tree tools - calculate the benefits of trees!. i-Tree. https://www.itreetools.org/
King’s Sunset Nursery. (n.d.). Quercus virginiana ~ Live Oak. King’s Sunset Nursery. https://kingssunsetnursery.com/products/quercus-virginiana-live-oak
Milligan, L. (2020, December 4). Live oak or Laurel Oak?. UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2020/12/04/live-oak-or-laurel-oak/