Laurel Oak

Quercus laurifolia Michx.

KWER-cus lore-ah-FOAL-ee-ah

Fagaceae

Explanation of name: Quercus is an ancient name (BA1). Laurifolia refers to leaves resembling those of Laurel.

Natural range: Eastern and southern U.S., including Florida

Recognition: Oaks, in South Florida, range from large trees (Laurel Oak, Live Oak, Water Oak) through medium-sized (Turkey Oak) and scrubby species (Chapman’s Oak, Myrtle Oak, Sand Live Oak) to small species roughly a foot tall (Running Oak). Beyond the presence of acorns, Oaks have a cluster of buds (vs. just one) at the stem tips. Laurel Oak, in nature most often (but not always) in moist habitats, has hairless (vs. pubescent on the underside in Live Oak) narrow elliptic  (vs. obovate in Water Oak) leaves usually without teeth or lobes (sometimes faintly 3-lobed). The acorns are about ½”-1” long and are partially covered by the cup-shaped to saucer-shaped cap.

Landscape uses (some observations from HAE): One of the most important landscaping trees in South Florida, fast-growing for an Oak. The trunk tends to be upright, dominated by a single leader, making the tree less spreading than a Live Oak.  Many Laurel Oaks have been killed by planting too deep or with inadequately oxygenated soil. UFST549 gives the lifespan is 50-70 years depending on circumstances. Rots and breakage can be problems in this not-particularly-sturdy oak.