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LIVE OAK
Quercus virginiana Mill.
(KWER-kus vir-jin-ee-AN-a)
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General:
Spreading, evergreen trees that only grow to about 20 m. (60 ft.) in
height, Live Oaks appear to be as wide as tall, and may reach to more
than 15 m. (45 ft.) in diameter.
They have massive trunks and widespread crowns with the main trunk
dividing into several horizontal branches fairly low to the
ground. It lives longer than any other oak in Florida, and is the
only one found throughout the state including the Keys.
The strong, dense wood was ideal for ship building, furniture and
tools. In 1799 the U.S. Congress appropriated money to purchase
live oak land in the Carolinas so the country would have enough of
these mighty trees for ship timbers and masts.
Their heavy branches provide food, shelter and nest sights for many
birds and other animals. The rough, furrowed bark makes an ideal
base for “air plants,” many species of orchids, bromeliads and ferns.
Flowers / Fruit:
The staminate (male flowers) are borne on catkins 5-7.5 cm. (2-3 in.)
long. The pistillate (female) flowers are arranged on a spike.
The acorn is a shiny, dark brown to black oval nut about 2.5 cm (1in.)
long arranged with one to five on a spike-like stem. The
top-shaped cap covers about one third of the nut.
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LIVE OAK (Quercus virginiana)
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Leaves / Stems:
The alternate, oblong leaves are stiff, leathery and 2-15 cm. (1-6 In.)
long. Margins of mature leaves are smooth and slightly rolled
under, but leaves on new shoots are often toothed or lobed. The
cupped leaves are shiny, dark green above and tomentose (covered with
short, soft hairs) below.
The dark gray to brown, deeply furrowed bark, breaking into small plates, is about 2.5 cm (1 in.) thick.
Distribution:
This species is found in a wide variety of habitats throughout the
state, including the Keys. The range is from Texas to Virginia in
the coastal plains.
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