Southern Live Oak

Quercus virginiana

Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is a medium-growing flowering tree, hardy in USDA zones 8-10, that matures to about 40-80 ft × 60-100 ft. It does best in full sun with high water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect yellow and green blooms in spring. It attracts butterflies, moths and pollinators, stands up well to deer, salt and wind.

USDA zones

8-10

Sun

Full sun

Water

High

Mature size

40-80 ft × 60-100 ft

Spacing

more than 60 feet

Growth rate

Medium

Maintenance

Low

Soil

Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry

Foliage

Green

Bloom color

Yellow, Green

Bloom season

Spring

Attracts

Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds

Tough against

Deer, Salt, Wind, Wet soil

Watch out for

Problem for horses

Native to

Southeastern United States, Mexico