(Quercus virginiana )
The Beech Family (Fagaceae)
Large, long-lived tree with glossy alternate leaves, dark-brown furrowed bark, large sweeping canopies.
It is tardily deciduous- it replaces its leaves every year but its branches are never completely bare.
Habitat:
Sandy coastal plains and ridges along marshes and bayous.
Interesting Facts:
The acorn is a source of vegetable oil, a coffee substitute and flour. Its high tannin content makes it useful as an astringent and for tanning leather. The lumber’s sturdiness and natural curves made it valuable in ship construction.
Fruit:
Bright green acorns turning dark brown, .75” long, covered a third by bowl-shaped cap in clusters of 3 to 5.
Flower:
Male: light yellow green catkins; Female: on spikes, appearing in spring.
Wildlife value:
Provides cover and food for small mammals and birds, attracts beneficial insects, and hosts multiple moth species.
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 2.00-5.00 inches
Tree height: 40.00-80.00 feet
PDF link:
Where to find Live Oak on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
TER - Walker Terrace 29.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.