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Quercus laurifolia

Quercus laurifolia Michx.

Laurel Oak, Swamp Laurel Oak, Darlington Oak, Diamond-leaf Oak, Laurel-leaf Oak, Water Oak, Obtusa Oak

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

Synonym(s): Quercus hemisphaerica, Quercus obtusa, Quercus phellos var. laurifolia, Quercus succulenta

USDA Symbol: qula3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Laurel oak, a pyramidal-rounded tree, ranges in size from 40-80 ft. tall and 30-40 ft. wide, sometimes much larger. Glossy, dark-green, unlobed, long, broad, oval leaves persist into January. The bark is gray. Large, nearly evergreen tree with dense, broad, rounded crown.

GROWTH FORM: semi-evergreen with leaves retained until the following spring; short-lived medium tree that grows up to 80 feet (24.4 m) with a dense rounded crown. BARK: dark brown, mature bark turning black with deep furrows and broad flat ridges. TWIGS and BUDS: smooth reddish- brown twigs; buds are ovoid, pointed and covered with shiny chestnut-brown scales. LEAVES: short, smooth petiole up to 1⁄4 inch (6 mm) long; leaf blade broadly elliptical and thin, 1 1⁄4 - 4 3⁄4 inches (32 - 121 mm) long, 5⁄8 - 1 3⁄4 inches (16 - 44 mm) wide, base cuneate, bristle-tipped acute apex, may be irregularly 3-lobed, shiny green upper surface and pale green below with a yellow midrib, both surfaces are smooth.

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. President L. B. Johnson planted one at the White House in Washington, DC.