Quercus laurifolia
Photo by Shirley Denton. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 8A 8B 9A 9B
2002-2022, Copyright Florida Native Plant Society
Laurel Oak, Swamp Laurel Oak
Fagaceae
Plant Specifics
| Size: | 60-100 ft tall by 40--80 ft wide | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Fruit Color: | Brown | |
| Phenology: | Deciduous. Blooms early spring (wind pollinated, inconspicuous flowers). Acorns ripen in 2nd fall. | |
| Habitats: | River floodplains, secondary woods. |
Landscaping
| Recommended Uses: | Often grown as a specimen tree, fast growing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: | Stays Wet ----- to ----- Not wet but not extremely dry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray Tolerance: | Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Clay, Loam, Organic material (muck), Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
Produces acorns that are used by rodents, including squirrels, and other mammals
Acorns used by woodpeckers, jays, and wild turkeys.
High in tannins.
Used for cover and nesting by a variety of bird species
Larval host for Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) and White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album).
Larval host for several moth species (some of the caterpillars are not appreciated)