Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia)
Although most folks misidentify laurel oak as water oak, landscapers in the Coastal Plain region of the Southeast have known about the laurel oak’s ease of establishment, tardily deciduous foliage, and tolerance to a wide range of sites for decades. We like it for its ability to produce loads of semi-late dropping mast on a seemingly yearly basis.
The laurel oaks we collect from don’t begin dropping their smallish, somewhat decay resistant red oak acorns until the month of December, and are utilized by the critters on into the early spring. When turkeys don’t show up in fields during the early part of spring season, they’re probably still in the woods gleaning the last of the laurel oaks.
When planting, keep in mind, Laurel oaks prefer deep sandy soils along major rivers but will tolerate a wide range of soil types when used as a landscape tree.
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Type: Zone: |
Red Oak section 6-9 |
| Soil pH: | 4.3 - 6.5 |
| Mature Height: | 50' - 60' |
| Wildlife Value: | Deer, ducks, quail, raccoon, squirrel, highly preferable to wild turkey, also used in nesting and cover for birds and small game. |
| Site Preference: | Site plastic oak that will do well and produce consistent mast crops on a variety of acidic sites with adequate drainage. |
| Nut Maturity Date: | October to December (varies) |
| Alias: | Darlington Oak, Diamond Leaf Oak, Swamp Laurel Oak, Sand Laurel Oak |
Customer Reviews
I thought I was buying acorns, to start myself, was delighted when healthy trees arrived.
I never heard of laurel oak, but decided to try 2 seedling to see how they would do in our northern climate of Pennsylvania. after receiving my order I was really pleased with the good looking seedlings especially the laurel oak. very nice and straight and healthy looking. looking forward to ordering more next year.
Beautiful seedlings! I planted 3 in October 2024 and look forward to watching them grow.
