Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fagaceae family, native to Southeastern United States coast, from Virginia to Texas. It grows 10–18 m (33–59 ft) tall and 15–30 m (49–98 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
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Southern live oak at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 10–18 m (33–59 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southeastern United States coast, from Virginia to Texas |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Southern live oak toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: acorns, young leaves
Tannins in acorns and young foliage can cause stomach upset and kidney damage in pets and livestock.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Southern live oak
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Southern live oak
- How far apart should I plant Southern live oak?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 m (49–98 ft).
- Does Southern live oak need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Southern live oak need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Southern live oak?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Southern live oak flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Southern live oak poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Tannins in acorns and young foliage can cause stomach upset and kidney damage in pets and livestock.
- What grows well with Southern live oak?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Southern live oak. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Broad-spreading evergreen to semi-evergreen oak that sheds old leaves in early spring while new ones emerge.
- Needs wide spacing; very wind-resistant and salt-tolerant.
- Susceptible to oak wilt.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- English oak Quercus robur
- European beech Fagus sylvatica
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra
- White oak Quercus alba