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Quercus laurifolia Michx.

Laurel oak

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

USDA Symbol: QULA3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Laurel oak, a pyramidal-rounded tree, ranges in size from 40-60 ft. tall and 30-40 ft. wide. Glossy, dark-green, unlobed, long, broad, oval leaves persist into January. The bark is gray. Large, nearly evergreen tree with dense, broad, rounded crown.

Common and Latin species names refer to the resemblance of the foliage to Grecian Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), of the Mediterranean region. A handsome shade tree, widely planted in the Southeast.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , LA , MD , MS , NC , PA , SC , TX , VA
Native Distribution: Coastal states from s.e. VA to s. FL & s.e. TX; also s. AR
Native Habitat: Wet forests; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: This species is closely related to Q. nigra and Q. phellos. It has no pest problems and is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.

Propagation

Description: Oaks are most often propagated from seed. No pretreatment is necessary. Plant immediately – outdoors or in deep containers to accomodate long initial taproot. Many oaks require cold temperatures to initiate shoot development. Protect outdoor beds with
Seed Collection: Best quality acorns are picked or shaken from the tree. Collect when color has changed to brown. Best if sown immediately as acorns lose viability quickly in storage. Short-term storage in moist, shaded saw dust or sand. Acorns to be sown immediately can be soaked in hot water for 15 min. to prevent weevil infestation. Stored seed should be fumigated with methyl bromide.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Quercus laurifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Quercus laurifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Quercus laurifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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