treeN. America Native

Southern Live Oak

Name: Southern Live Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus virginiana

$144.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

960 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable to high humidity

Lifespan

Very long-lived tree, 200+ years

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, picturesque, evergreen to semi-evergreen oak tree noted for its massive, spreading, nearly horizontal limbs that create a broad, rounded canopy. It is an iconic tree of the Deep South. This species is exceptionally long-lived, with some specimens known to be several hundred years old, and its sprawling form provides deep shade and a classic Southern aesthetic.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Southern Live Oak is prized for its majestic, sprawling form, creating a timeless and stately presence in the landscape. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and its association with Spanish moss evokes a classic Southern charm.

As a large shade tree, it significantly cools its surroundings, reducing energy costs for nearby buildings. Its dense wood is strong and durable, and it serves as an excellent windbreak in coastal areas due to its salt tolerance.

Live oaks are a keystone species, providing critical habitat and food for a vast array of wildlife. Its acorns are a vital food source for birds, deer, and squirrels, while its canopy offers shelter and nesting sites.

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Where to Buy

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In Stock$144.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a large, open site with full sun and good drainage.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree ensuring the root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune sparingly and properly when young to develop a strong structure, avoiding large cuts on mature trees which can invite disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and infrequently once established to encourage deep roots.
Provide ample space for its massive mature size.
Perform structural pruning on young trees for good form.
Monitor for oak wilt symptoms, especially in affected regions.

Don't

Do not plant in small yards or under power lines.
Avoid wounding the bark with mowers or trimmers.
Never prune oaks from February to June to prevent oak wilt spread.
Do not fertilize unless a soil test indicates a deficiency.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic shade tree for large landscapesIconic specimen for parks and avenuesDurable coastal and street tree

Companion Plants

Magnolia grandiflora Sabal palmetto Ilex vomitoria Muhlenbergia capillaris Serenoa repens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Southern Live Oak questions

What zones can Southern Live Oak grow in?

Southern Live Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Southern Live Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Southern Live Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Southern Live Oak bloom?

Southern Live Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Southern Live Oak need full sun?

Southern Live Oak does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Southern Live Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Southern Live Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.