Southern live oak
Quercus virginiana 路 Fagaceae 路 also Live oak, Coastal live oak
The classic wide, low-branching shade oak of the South, with small leathery leaves that stay on the tree all winter and drop as new leaves emerge in spring. It usually tops out around 40-50 feet but spreads 50-100 feet, so it needs a large open yard or parkway, not a narrow strip. Long-lived, wind-firm and the tree most people picture when they think of Austin, where most wild trees are actually the closely related escarpment live oak.
Where it stands
Native
This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.
Recommended
A city, utility or extension service lists it among the trees it approves for planting here.
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Los Angeles, CA, United States 路 On the City Plants (Los Angeles) Street Tree Species Listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Sacramento, CA, United States 路 On the Sacramento Tree Foundation Shady 80 recommended trees listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 San Jose, CA, United States 路 On the Our City Forest Community Nursery tree species listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Washington, DC, United States 路 On the Casey Trees Tree Rebate eligible species listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Atlanta, GA, United States 路 On the Trees Atlanta Top 50 Atlanta Trees listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Austin, TX, United States 路 On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Oak, Southern Live'; the guide notes oak wilt susceptibility and suggests escarpment live oak (Q. fusiformis) on shallow soils.source
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Dallas, TX, United States 路 On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree Listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Houston, TX, United States 路 On the City of Houston Planning and Development Department Street Tree Listsource
Care
Water deeply every week or two for the first two summers, then only in long droughts. Oak wilt is the main threat in Central Texas: prune only in the hottest and coldest months (roughly July-January), paint every cut immediately, and avoid wounding roots or trunk. Young trees sprawl and benefit from light structural pruning. Expect root suckers and a heavy spring leaf drop.
Benefits
Good for