Quercus virginiana
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is a majestic, broadly spreading evergreen oak native to the coastal southeastern United States, renowned for its massive horizontal limbs and long-lived, durable wood. Its small, oblong, leathery leaves remain on the tree year-round, and it produces small acorns that are important wildlife food. A defining landscape tree of the Deep South, it can achieve enormous canopy spreads with age. Starting at $59.95.
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Plant in full sun to partial sun; Live Oak is best in full sun for maximum canopy development. Give it ample space — mature trees spread 60–120 feet wide — and keep clear of structures, utilities, and paving.
Water regularly during the first 1–2 years to establish the deep root system; once established, Live Oak is highly drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental irrigation in NE Florida. Avoid planting in sites with standing water.
Extremely adaptable to NE Florida's sandy, clay, or loam soils and tolerates both acidic and alkaline conditions. Established trees generally need no supplemental fertilizer; if growth seems slow, a spring application of balanced slow-release fertilizer is appropriate. Prune to develop strong branch structure in the first 5–10 years.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Live Oak is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 60-80 feet × 60-120 feet.
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.