Interesting Facts about Live Oak Trees | Quercus virginiana

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General information | Fruit | Growth & Life | Uses |
Historic Live Oaks

General Information about Live Oaks:

• The Quercus virginiana is also known as the Southern Live Oak tree.
• The Live Oak tree is a southern symbol of strength.
• The Live Oak tree is the state tree of Georgia.
• The U.S.S. Constitution reportedly received its nickname, "Old Ironsides," during the War of 1812 because its live oak hull was so tough that British war ships' cannon balls literally bounced off it.
• The Highrise Live Oak tree is tough, long-lived and has few pest and disease problems.
• Live Oak trees are planted in historical cities for their character and appearance.
• Live Oak trees weigh over 55 pounds per cubic foot when air dried.

Live Oak Tree Fruit:

• Live Oak trees product sweet edible acorns that turkeys, ducks, Jays, Quail, Deer and other animals like to feed on
• Live Oak trees start producing acorns when they are around 20 years old

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Live Oak Tree Growth & Life:

• Live Oak trees can live for 200 years plus!
• The name Live Oaks came from the fact that they remain green and "alive" throughout the winter when other oak trees are dormant and leafless.
• Live Oak trees can grow in forests, in front of buildings such as schools, parking lots, gardens, backyards and more.
• Live Oak trees also grow by oceans. They do great resisting the salt spray.
• Live Oak trees support many types of epiphytic plants including Spanish moss; giving Live Oak trees more character
• The Live Oak tree grows around 2-2.5 feet per year when young.
• Live oaks produce male flowers called catkins that bloom in hanging clusters.
• Female flowers appear singly or in clusters of one to five where the leaves join the twigs.
• A mature Live Oak tree can draw up to 50 gallons+ per day.

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Live Oak Tree Uses:

• The Live Oak tree is the broadest spreading of the oaks producing an abundance of shade.
• Live Oak tree wood is very strong and tough and is often used for structural beams and posts
• Live Oak trees were used in colonial times to make ships for the navy.

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Historical Live Oak Trees:

"The Seven Sisters Oak"
	One of the largest known Live Oak tree is located near Louisburg, Louisiana. Name: Seven Sisters Oak It is estimated to be over 1,000 years old circumference of 37'2" crown spread of 150 feet
"Cellon Oak"
	The Florida champion Live Oak tree; found in Alachua, Florida in 1984. Name: Cellon Oak Height of 83 feet, Diameter of 108 inches Crown spread of 150.5 feet. Its so big, you can see it from space
"Angel Oak"
	One of the longest lived Live Oak trees is located near John Island, South Carolina Name: Angel Oak It is estimated to be over 1,500 years old Height of 65+ feet Diameter spread of 160 feet
"The Duelling Oaks"
	Located in New Orleans, Louisiana Name: The Duelling Oaks Height of over 70 feet It is estimated to be over 300 years old

View more images of some of the oldest Live Oak trees in the United States.

View & read about a photo documentary of the 100 oldest Live Oak trees in the South.

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References:

• The School of Forest Resources and Conservation.edu
• Arcytech.org
• American Forests.org

Highrise Live Oak  l  Standard Live Oak  l  Cathedral Live Oak

More about the Southern Live Oak trees:

• Mature Height: 60- 80 feet
• Mature Spread: 60 - 120 feet
• Shape: Round, Spreading
• Tree Density: Dense and full
• Growth Rate: Medium
• Texture: Simple

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Southern Pride Tree Farm Features Very Big Live Oaks:

• Our Live Oaks are 8- to- 12- years- old top quality landscaping trees.
• HighRise©, Cathedral©  & Standard Field Grown Live-Oak Trees.
• The Live Oak is a semi-deciduous evergreen medium growing tree

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