Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
The legendary evergreen oak of the American South, famous for its massive spreading branches draped in Spanish moss and centuries-long lifespan. Live oaks develop incredibly wide, horizontal canopies that can span over 100 feet, creating natural pavilions of dense shade. Their sculptural beauty and extreme longevity make them the ultimate legacy tree for large properties.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Wildlife Food Source
Zones
8–10
USDA hardiness
Height
40-80 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Live Oak in USDA Zone 8
All Zone 8 shade-tree →Zone Map
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Live Oak · Zones 8–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Wildlife Food Source. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 80 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 30 ft. 0 in. - 100 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal.
Harvesting
0.75- 1-inch egg-shaped acorns on long stalks are produced singly or in up to clusters of 5 and have bowl-shaped caps with tiny sharp-pointed scales covering 1/3 of the nut. Fruits are available September-November.
Color: Black, Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow. Type: Nut. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Acorns can be eaten after the tannin has been leached or boiled out.
History & Origin
Origin: Southeastern United States, Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Salt, Storm damage, Wet Soil, Wind
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Edible: Acorns can be eaten after the tannin has been leached or boiled out.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves, Seeds): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Azalea
Thrives in acidic soil created by oak leaf litter, compatible shade requirements
Camellia
Enjoys filtered shade and acidic conditions under oak canopy
Ferns
Excellent groundcover for deep shade areas, helps retain soil moisture
Hostas
Tolerates shade well and benefits from protection from harsh sun
Coral Bells
Thrives in partial shade and adds color to understory plantings
Japanese Maple
Benefits from filtered light and wind protection provided by oak canopy
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that spreads well in oak shade and moist conditions
Astilbe
Prefers shade and moist soil conditions found under oak trees
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to oak roots and inhibits growth
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds suppress oak growth and compete aggressively for water
Pine Trees
Creates overly acidic soil conditions and competes for similar nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease and pest resistance
Common Pests
Scale insects, gall wasps, caterpillars
Diseases
Oak wilt (rare), root rot in poorly drained soils