Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Live Oak
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Also known as: Southern live oak

Quick Facts

  • Type: tree
  • Size: 60-80 ft tall, 60-120 ft spread
  • Sun: full
  • Water: low
  • Soil: Adaptable; sand to clay, tolerates salt spray
  • USDA zones: 8-11

The iconic Southern shade tree, with massive spreading limbs draped in Spanish moss and resurrection fern.

Florida's most hurricane wind-resistant large tree; plant small (3-gallon) and let it establish – it outgrows pampered big-box specimens.

In the Landscape

The ultimate Florida shade tree and a magnificent specimen for large properties. Give it room — mature canopies can spread 60 to 100 feet wide. Also a classic street tree where space allows.

Care & Propagation

Plant in fall or winter. Space at least 30 feet from structures and 40+ feet from other large trees. Water deeply during the first two dry seasons to establish; after that it needs essentially no care. Prune young trees to develop a strong central structure.

Grow from fresh acorns planted in fall — they lose viability quickly in storage. Plant acorns about an inch deep in deep pots; the taproot grows fast and resents disturbance, so transplant young.

Wildlife Value

One of the most valuable wildlife trees in North America — oaks host over 500 species of caterpillars, which in turn feed nesting songbirds. Acorns feed deer, turkeys, squirrels, jays, and wood ducks; old trees provide cavities for owls, woodpeckers, and bats.

🌱 Fun fact: Live oaks aren't evergreen by keeping the same leaves — they drop and replace them in spring, briefly looking thin before the new canopy flushes in. Some individuals are centuries old; the famous Angel Oak in South Carolina is estimated at 400+ years.

← Browse all Florida native plants

🌴 In Florida

Florida's most hurricane wind-resistant large tree; plant small (3-gallon) and let it establish – it outgrows pampered big-box specimens.

🌿 Keep exploring

More Florida natives worth meeting:

🪱 Your Soil Needs This

Reading about healthy soil is great. Growing in it is better. Our small-batch, traceable worm castings are the shortcut your garden deserves.

Shop Worm Castings Subscribe & Save

Every bag comes with a lot certificate. Know what's in your soil.