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Freeze damage

Foliage

Fagaceae (white oak group)

Live oak is majestic and long-lived, with a crown that can spread up to twice its height. It is pH adaptable, and tolerant of drought and poor soils, although it does not tolerate poorly drained soils or extremely well-drained deep sand. Its small, leathery gray-green leaves are evergreen except when it reaches the northern part of its range (zone 7a), when it becomes semi-evergreen. Its primary liability is its susceptibility to the oak wilt fungus, although it hasn't hit Q. virginiana as severely as Escarpment Live Oak, Q. fusiformis. It is also somewhat cold sensitive in the northern parts of the state.

Plant Habit or Use: medium tree large tree

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: yellow catkins, 1-3 in. long

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: acorns, 1 in. long

Height: 40 to 50 ft.

Width: 80 to 100 ft.

Plant Character: evergreen semievergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements: medium low

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

Additional Comments: