Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
Thanks to the landscape trade, we’ve had literally thousands of individuals growing these oaks all over the southeast from which to choose our parent stock. To be perfectly honest, we can’t prove that our favorites are 100% Southern live. They might have stemmed from former crosses with other live oaks such as Texas live and/or sand live. What we do know, is that we’ve found live oaks that drop tastier than normal acorns at a younger than normal age, with a wide variation in acorn drop time. The earlier dropping parents begin shedding in October, and the late droppers rain beginning in December. Both of these traits would be perfect additions for a wide-open setting, such as: Logging decks, cabin yards, long driveways, and pastures. You ever noticed how gobblers have an uncanny ability to find a shady spot from which to strut their stuff on unseasonably hot spring days? Look no further than this evergreen beauty planted all by its lonesome or as a widely spaced grove. Although live oaks can handle a variety of sites, they don’t tolerate super cold winters, so consider hybrid Compton oak as a substitute if your winter temps frequently dip below 25F or so.
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Type: Zone: |
White Oak section 7 - 10 |
| Soil pH: | 4.5 - 7.5 |
| Mature Height: | 50' - 80' |
| Wildlife Value: | Acorns important source of food for deer, wild turkey, northern bob white, black bear, mallard, and sap sucker. |
| Site Preference: | Thrives on many sites. Tolerant of poorer sites once established. Naturally occurs on low ground but doesn't tolerate long durations of flooding. |
| Nut Maturity Date: | October to December (varies) |
| Alias: | Spanish Live Oak |
Customer Reviews
Of the 82 seedlings I have purchased from Nativ Nurseries, the Live Oak I received in January 2024 has been the only one I was displeased with upon arrival. It was pitiful looking. The seedling was less than 6 inches tall and forked. I pruned the shorter fork off and planted it. To my amazement, that seedling grew out of the tube in June and measured 55 inches in height on November 8th. So glad I took the time to plant it. I ordered another one and planted it a couple of weeks ago. It was a beautiful seedling. The stem was 22 inches long.
all trees arrive in good condition and appear to be healthy.
Didn't buy nothing 10 days ago
Very well pleased! Trying to grow one in the northern range of its growing zone. Using a tree protector........hopefully it will help protect the tree from critters and also help keep it warmer than it would be without the protector.
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)