Southern Live Oak

The Southern Live Oak is a beacon of the American South - draped in Spanish Moss and hosting Resurrection Ferns along its massive branches that sprawl horizontally, often reaching 60 to 100 feet, with muscular, gnarled limbs that dip down to touch the earch before sweeping back upwards. This "cathedral effect" provides a year-round ceiling of leathery, deep-green foliage that filters sunlight into a soft, dappled glow. Reaching mature height of 40 to 80 feet, Live Oaks are virtually indestructible, boasting exceptional resistance to high winds and hurricanes and are capable of living for several centuries. Live Oak is an excellent shade tree that can transform a hot backyard into a comfortable retreat. A true legacy tree, the Southern Live Oak Tree grows more character-filled and beautiful with every passing generation.

Also Known As: Southern Live Oak, Virginia Live Oak, Evergreen Oak, Chêne vert du Sud, Encino de Virginia, Coastal Live Oak, Heritage Oak, Spanish Moss Tree, Quercus virginiana, Southeast Live Oak, Live Oak Tree, Salt-tolerant Oak, Sand Live Oak.

Plant Name:	Tree, Live Oak
Latin Name:	Quercus virginiana
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	30 - 70 Years
Years to Fruit:	20 - 30 Years
Plant Height:	40 - 80 Feet
Spread:	60 - 100 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	7-10
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 100 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require a short cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To prepare, soak seeds 24 hours in room-temperature tap water. To cold-stratify, Roll seeds in a damp paper towel or mix with moist sand and place in a resealable bag and place bags in the refrigerator, keeping the seeds at 35F-40F for 28 days. After the cold stratification period, sow seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and place the pots in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, first soak seeds for 24 hours then cold-stratify for 28 days indoors before planting in spring in a sunny location. To plant, make holes 1-2 inches deep and spaced 60-100 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1-2 inches
Within-Row Spacing:	60-100 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	100 feet

Care During the Season:

Live Oak requires minimal care but can thrive with moisture management and protectionIn Spring, the tree briefly sheds its old leaves to make way for new growth; this is the best time to apply a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer and conduct structural pruning to remove any deadwood or competing lead branches. During the Summer, consistent deep watering is vital for young trees to develop their expansive root systems, while mature oaks benefit from a deep soaking every few weeks during periods of extreme heat to prevent drought stress. As Fall arrives, maintain a wide mulched area—ideally out to the drip line—to protect the roots from temperature fluctuations and soil compaction. Finally, Winter is the safest time for major pruning because the tree is dormant and the risk of transmitting Oak Wilt by sap-feeding beetles is at its lowest; however, ensure the tree is well-hydrated before any deep freezes to protect its evergreen foliage from "winter burn."