Quercus laurifolia

Common Names

Laurel Oak, Swamp Laurel Oak, Diamond Leaf Oak, Obtusa Oak, Water Oak, Darlington Oak, Laurel Leaf Oak

Summary

Quercus laurifolia is native to the southeastern United States and east Texas, a rapid-growing oak typically reaching 60–70 ft tall with a dense, rounded crown and a trunk up to about 4 ft in diameter, it is semi-evergreen to deciduous, with glossy oval leaves and acorns, the bark is gray and becomes fissured with age, it tolerates a wide range of soils and moist to mesic conditions, commonly found on floodplains and swamps, and supports wildlife through nuts and habitat, for cultivation, it grows best in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sand, with moist, well-drained conditions and acidic to neutral pH, moderate drought tolerance once established, it is commonly used as a shade tree in lawns, parks, and street plantings, propagation is by seed or hardwood cuttings, it has relatively low timber value, mainly used for pulpwood and fuelwood, and may face pests such as mites, scales, aphids, caterpillars, and leaf spots, regular pruning helps develop a strong central trunk and maintain form, while regular watering and mulching support establishment

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

40-60 feet

Spread

35-45 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6B through 10A

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, acidic soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

4.2-6.5, Acidic to neutral, Adaptable to a range of soil pH

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

GreenYellow in spring; Green in summer, autumn, and winter.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Hardwood cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, Attracts butterflies