Other Names:  Coastal Live Oak

Description:

A graceful southern native variety that eventually produces massive, horizontal spreading limbs, creating a large deep shade canopy; evergreen foliage is leathery, dark green and glossy; very impressive in large landscape areas

Ornamental Features

Southern Live Oak has dark green evergreen foliage on a tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. The glossy oval leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Southern Live Oak is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Southern Live Oak is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Southern Live Oak will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 500 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.