

How to identify Live oak (Quercus virginiana)
Live oak, also known as Bay live oak, Escarpment live oak
Live oak is characterized by its striking stature and longevity, typically reaching heights between 12-24 meters (40-80 feet). The spread of this tree can be quite impressive, with branches spanning as much as 12-30 meters (40-100 feet) in width. Its robust, sprawling branches are distinguishing features along with its broad canopy. The leaves present a leathery texture with a smooth top surface and a downy underside. They are reminiscent of laurel in shape, complete with revolute margins, where the edges of the leaves curve downward. Notably, live oak's foliage persists throughout most of the year until new growth appears.
Leathery leaves with revolute margins resembling laurel, persisting year-round.
Male flowers in pendulous catkins, wind-pollinated, greenish hue, lacking petals.
Egg-shaped acorns with bowl-shaped caps and sharp-pointed scales, fall maturation.
Dark green shiny leaves with pale underside, oblong to elliptic-obovate shape.
Rugged dark brown bark with reddish tints, furrowed texture, robust girth up to 4 feet.
The leaves of live oak are alternately arranged, thick, and measure 2-5 inches (5-12.7 cm) long by 0.8-1.5 inches (2-3.8 cm) wide. They are shiny and dark green on the upper surface, while the underside has a pale hue with gray tomentose hairs. The leaves are rounded to oblong to elliptic-obovate in shape with mostly entire margins, although young trees and new growth may exhibit toothed margins. The leaf bases are round to subcordate to broad cuneate. These leaves persist into winter.
The male flowers of live oak are arranged in pendulous catkins, each cluster ranging from 1 to 5 flowers. These elongated and drooping clusters measure approximately 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) in length. The flowers bloom in April, displaying a subtle greenish hue. They lack prominent petals and are primarily wind-pollinated, emitting no discernible scent. These characteristics are quintessential for identification during the blooming season.
The stem of live oak is initially tan to pale gray, covered with short hairs, and feels slightly rough. In the second year, it becomes darker and nearly smooth. The young twigs are around 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick, and the buds are dome-shaped, measuring about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) long, with reddish-brown scales. The branching pattern is typically dense and intricate, providing a sturdy structure.
The fruit of live oak is characterized by 0.75-1 inch (around 1.9-2.5 cm) egg-shaped acorns that are borne singly or in clusters of up to five on long stalks. These acorns possess distinctive bowl-shaped caps adorned with tiny sharp-pointed scales, which envelop roughly one third of the nut. The fruiting period extends from September to November, indicating a fall maturation. The acorns exhibit a hard texture, and while the coloration is not explicitly mentioned, acorns typically range from a green to brown hue as they mature.
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Scientific Classification of Live oak