August 1996
Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 30 to 40 feet
Spread: 40 to 60 feet
Shape: Spreading
A massive shade tree with evergreen foliage that is bright olive-green when new and changes to a glossy, dark green when mature.
Zone: 7 to 10
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0
Suggested uses for this plant include shade, street tree, and specimen plant.
Transplant small size trees.
Tolerates soils ranging from light sand to heavy
and compact silt and clay.
Tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions.
Tolerates salt spray.
Requires large area for branches and roots to
spread.
Prune when young to establish main branches.
No serious pest or disease problems.
Gall insect is more unsightly than damaging.
Susceptible to root rot in coastal areas.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of QUERCUS VIRGINIANA:
No important cultivars.
An evergreen member of the oak family, the
Live
Oak is cold hardy in the Tidewater area and as
far north as Williamsburg.
A magnificent shade tree; however, its large,
wide-spreading, horizontal branches make it
inappropriate for small properties.
The acorns of the Live Oak are eaten by many
animals.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-607 "Selecting Landscape Plants -
Broad-leaved Evergreens"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.