Live Oak
Latin Name: Quercus virginiana
Species: Plants
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Live oaks are large trees that can reach up to 80 feet in height and up to 100 feet in spread. Their leaves are oblong and simple without any lobes. The leaves also have a protective waxy cuticle and curled edge that protect from salty air in their maritime habitat. These trees act as an evergreen, keeping their leaves throughout winter. Tree bark grows dark and deeply furrowed as the tree ages.
Range & Habitat (map)
Live oaks are a predominantly coastal species, occurring on the southeastern coast of the U.S. from southern Virginia to Texas. They are also found in Western Cuba. They are often found growing in maritime forests near the salt marsh.
Diet
N/A
Life History
Live oaks are incredibly long-lived as their name suggests, oftentimes reaching 300 years old. Yellow flowers bloom in spring months once the tree reaches maturity. Male flowers are long cylindrical catkins (hanging flower clusters) and female flowers are formed in clusters near the base of leaves. Acorns are 0.75 inches in size but spend a year on the tree, maturing in the next growing season.
Significance
The live oak is a tree commonly associated with the southeastern coast of the U.S., lining driveways of historical properties with Spanish moss drooping from the branches. It is common here in the Port Royal Sound area as it is well adapted to the salty sea air of our maritime forests. In Beaufort County, large, healthy live oaks are considered protected. The large acorns are also a food source for animals such as wild turkeys, eastern grey squirrels, and raccoons.
Threats & How You Can Help
The primary threat to live oak trees is a fungal infection affecting many oaks in the eastern U.S. called “oak wilt disease.” This infection is oftentimes fatal to red oaks (oak trees with pointed lobed leaves) and is considered the most serious pathogenic threat to oaks in the eastern U.S. Visible fungal growth on bark and dieback originating at the leaf tip are common symptoms. Avoid pruning oak trees in the spring and summer as the insects that transfer this disease are most active.