SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus virginiana

COMMON NAME: Southern Live Oak

GARDEN SIZE: 40–80 ft. tall x 60–100 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: up to 3 ft. per year under ideal conditions (likely less in Tennessee)

USDA ZONE: 8–10

EXPOSURE: Full sun

WATER & SOIL: Medium to wet; tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained, average moisture soils

HABIT (FORM): Large, broadleaf evergreen tree with a short trunk, low branching, and a broad, spreading, rounded crown

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; leathery, shiny dark green leaves (up to 5" long) with smooth edges

FLOWERS: Insignificant; yellow-green catkins

BLOOM TIME: March to April

PLANT ORIGIN: Southeastern United States and Mexico; commonly found in coastal plains and woods. Not seen in Tennessee.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Provides acorns for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer; valuable for habitat and cover. Oaks are one of the most important, if not the most important, host plants for local insects.

FERTILIZING: Fertilizer not recommended. If desired, you may top dress with no more than 1 inch of organic compost per season.

PRUNING: Prune in late winter to maintain structure and remove dead or damaged branches

USES: USES: Shade tree for large lawns, parks, and rain gardens