Florida Oak Trees encompass a diverse array of species that grace the landscapes of the Sunshine State with their stunner , resiliency , and ecologic significance . From the hulk Southern Live Oak draped in Spanish moss to the tiny Chapman Oak nestled among coastal dunes , these trees contribute to Florida ’s rich natural heritage .
Florida oak trees can be find all over the state of matter , from the panhandle to the southernmost point . They grow well in a range of environments , from marshy marshes to arenaceous ridges . Every species has its own trenchant character , such as the Laurel Oak ’s magnificent grandeur and the Myrtle Oak ’s stocky frame .
With their glossy foliage , rugged bark , and abundant acorn , Florida OakTrees serve as lively components of the state’secosystems , providing home ground and sustenance for numerous wildlife species .
Different Types of Florida Oak Trees
Southern Red Oak
Scientifically have-to doe with to as Quercus falcata , the Southern Red Oak is a hefty giant that can hold even the strong hurricanes . In any scene , it draw attention with its open increment and broad , rounded canopy .
It was well - like in the Spanish colonial zona of North America and was formerly called Spanish oak tree . It stands out from other plant with its tremendous , glossy deciduous leaves , which are 4 to 5 in wide and 5 to 9 inch long . They can be easily identify because of their notably longer and thin terminal lobe . These leave sour a beautiful brown in the fall and wintertime before new growth appears in the spring .
A sight to behold , the Southern Red Oak ’s barque has ridge that resemble cherry bark and colors vagabond from dark gray to melanize .
It produce rather rapidly and performs well as a street tree , reclamation , specimen , or shade tree . It is the avatar of resilience and smasher in the southerly realm , grow well in avariety of dirt type , showing off a strong leeway to drouth , and flourishing in full sun .
Water Oak
One of the right oak specie in the southern half of the land is the weewee oak tree ( Quercus nigra ) , which is native to Florida ’s sloppy areas .
Notably , piss oaks are first-class option for the semitropic mood of southerly Florida since they flourish in the warm climates of USDA growth zones 6a through 10a . Even in the cold months , their semi - evergreen status adds a hint of greenery , and their public exposure , rounded canopy offers sight of shade .
Water oaks are characterized by calendered green leave with unclouded undersides . The leaves are shaped like a rounded boat paddle and range of a function in length from 2 to 4 inch . Though good for animals , its abundant acorn product can be an botheration because it may discolor concrete and asphalt surfaces .
Even though they develop quickly , water oaks only live 30 to 50 years on median , peculiarly in soil that is moist and rich in food . Often come to to as Possum Oak or Black Oak , they add to the diverse range of ecosystems found in Florida ’s marshes .
Willow Oak
Quercus phellos , or willow tree oak , get its name from thewillow treebecause of the way its leaves lessen and resemble weeping willow branch . Although it is not anative of Florida , it is a common tree there . Its light to brilliant unripened foliage becomes yellow - brown in the fall ( though inFloridait usually just turns chocolate-brown ) and then reverts to vibrant green in the spring .
Willow oak are not native to Florida , but they are establish extensively there and bring beauty to landscapes as street lights , park ornaments , and shade trees . This oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has fast growth and dense leaf that changes into a rounded appearance as it ages from a youthful pyramid shape .
Willow Oak maturate well in full sun and is especially advantageous to coastal domain due to its extraordinary resilience to aerosol salinity . Its great drouth allowance also make it a sensible option for Florida ’s dry climate , which lend to its widespread appeal among homeowners and landscapers in USDA emergence zones 6A through 9A.
Bluff Oak
usually found along stream coin bank in northern Florida and the panhandle , bluff oaks ( Quercus austrina ) share their home ground with reddish maples , elms , and black gums , all of which wave there . But because of its adaptability and visual attractiveness , Florida landscapers also favor it .
The shiny upper surface and twinkle underside of Bluff Oak ’s dark green , lobed leavesgive a outstanding visual element to landscapes . Its deciduous leaves may become brown or fall off , but in colder season , they may take on hues of copper , yellow , or orange before dropping .
Like Shumard Oak , Bluff Oak is choose for street , boulevard , and parking plenty because of its wide poll development needs and resistance to pest and disease .
With its remarkable drought resistance and ability to boom in full sun and well - drained soil , this oak is a low - sustainment yet optic - catch addition to any landscape .
It thrive in USDA growing zone 8A to 9B and , at maturity , attain peak of 40 to 60 feet and widths of 35 to 50 base . get laid by another name , Bastard White Oak , it bring a lifelike looker to outdoor areas .
Chinkapin Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii , sometimes known as the Chinkapin Oak , is a great option for big yard , landed estate , or ballpark that postulate bring down trees . As it ages , this sprawling shade Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with a slow to medium increase rate take for granted a rounded and dominant appearance .
With average - sized to Brobdingnagian , lustrous , dark immature leaves that run in length from 4 to 6 ½ inches , Chinkapin Oak provides year - rotund optic appealingness . While Florida go away do n’t always change color in the fall , golden watchers can catch breathtaking changes to yellow - orange or orangish - brown hues .
The ash-grey light gray barque of Chinkapin Oak is characterized by thin , narrow-minded flakes . It is more or less drought - tolerant and adapts well to a kind of grease case , let in moist soils . It also goes by the name Chestnut Oak , so named for its comestible acorns that resemble chestnut and give ocular and culinary appeal to out-of-door region .
This magnificent oak , which thrives in USDA growth zone 3A to 8B , reaches maturity heights of 40 to 60 feet and widths of 50 to 60 feet . Its stick out presence tote up mantrap to any landscape .
Overcup Oak
Even while Overcup Oak ( Quercus lyrata ) grows more easy than its cousins , its neat and consistent form make it a valued characteristic in urban setting .
This oak tree is prized for its arresting reddish or gray - brownish bark . It also has leathery , dark green leaves with hazy white undersides that are visually appealing all year around . Although the foliage usually turns a beautiful yellow - brownish color in the fall , this sight is more common in the state ’s northerly regions .
Overcup Oak bring forth its popular name from its spheric , ¾ to 1 inch diameter acorns that enshroud the nut nearly totally . Although wildlife is drawn to these acorns , they can also cause some muss .
Overcup oak , sometimes predict swampland post oak or swamp white oak , boom in a reach of soil types and prefers full sun . It adapts well to a variety of berth and better landscapes in USDA growing zones 6A to 9A.
This oak , which mature to heights of 45 to 70 feet and breadth of 35 to 50 ft , is a fantastic example of outdoor sweetheart and adaptability .
Post Oak
Quercus stellata , or situation oak tree , is a drought - tolerant plant that grows well in sandy , low - fecundity grease . This slow - growing oak tree is usually not find in nurseries ; rather , it is more commonly get wind on the outskirts of fields , where it flourish in its natural habitat .
Post Oak is a typical tree with leathery texture and pocket-sized hairs underneath . Its folio have three terminal lobe that are vertical to each other , fall in them the coming into court of a Maltese crossbreed . Its strong barque bring even more resiliency by allowing it to survive timberland fires .
Acorns from Post Oak trees are essential food sources for deer , squirrels , and other gnawer in forested surroundings , help to keep the ecologic balance wheel .
This species , which is also forebode Iron Oak , Box White Oak , or Rough Oak , grows well in USDA growth zones 6A through 9A. When fully develop , post oak trees often reach heights of 40 to 50 substructure and spreads of 35 to 50 feet . In their natural habitat , postal service oak tree trees have both aesthetic economic value and ecological relevance .
White Oak
The dignified presence of the white oak ( Quercus alba ) tot up grandeur , looker , and longevity to landscapes . Its yr - round heat in southern Florida hinders its development , but its magic spell is define to multitude in north Florida and the panhandle , where it flourishes .
In Florida , White Oaks exhibit their most striking look during their abbreviated inactive season , which is grade by light gray , plated barque and an open crown . Its glossy , dark - green leaves , which have pale underside , alter color in late surrender to wine - flushed or orange - Red River before turning brown and persist on the tree during the brief Florida winter .
lily-white oak require thrifty planning when institute since their matured , six - metrical unit - diameter short pants take up a heap of way in a large landscape . Thistree requires meter to acquire , but it rewards it with sturdy limbs that can resist storm .
White oak , which thrives in USDA growth zones 3B to 8B , usually gain summit of 50 to 80 feet and spreads between 50 and 80 feet . It is a symbol of classic elegance and hardiness in out-of-door preferences .
Turkey Oak
Among oak , the Turkey Oak ( Quercus laevis ) is particularly well - like by wildlife , enticing cervid , squirrels , and even turkey with its bighearted production of acorns . Its name , contrary to popular perception , comes from the unique shape of its leaves , which resembles the base of a dud , not from the acorns ’ attraction to turkey .
Turkey oak is a hardy choice for natural preferences since it grows well next topine treesin dry , sandy environments , where it is rough-cut in Florida ’s forests . Its small to intermediate - sized home landscapes can do good from its compact invention , and hurricane - prone areas can greatly benefit from its strong current of air opposition .
Granted its hardiness and advantages to wildlife , some homeowners may regain Turkey Oak less suitable due to its high pollen production , which might cause allergic reaction . However , Turkey Oak , which grows to heights of 20 to 30 feet with a similar spreading , is a delightful addition to outdoor preferences for those in USDA growth zone 7B to 10A. It also enhances the natural beauty and biodiversity of its surroundings .
Chapman Oak
The Chapman Oak , or Quercus chapmanii , is named for the famous botanist and operating surgeon A.W. Chapman , who ab initio described this species of oak tree in his turning point Holy Scripture “ Flora of the Southeastern United States . ”
In its native habitat , which is set up throughout Florida ’s coastal dunes and dry , sandy ridges , Chapman Oak takes on the shape of a minor , shrub - like Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with several stems that rarely grows tall than thirty feet . With glossy dark fleeceable leaves that line with a light grey to yellow underside , this industrial plant is semi - evergreen in strong mood and has deciduous tendencies in northern Florida .
Chapman Oak is a spring bloomer with quickly maturing acorn that quarter a variety of species , such as Florida scrub John Jay , woodpeckers , wild Republic of Turkey , squirrels , raccoons , and livid - tailed cervid .
Prospective nurseryman should be aware , nevertheless , that the pollen of Chapman Oak trees is a strong allergen , so citizenry who are prone to seasonal allergies should exert caution when set .
Growing to small tallness of 5 to 15 feet with a corresponding spreadhead , Chapman Oak flourish in USDA growth zone 8B to 10B and adds aesthetic appeal and ecologic relevancy to Florida landscapes .
Myrtle Oak
The name “ Myrtle Oak ” ( Quercus myrtifolia ) do from the leave of this plant that resemble those of plants in the Myrtus genus , sometimes acknowledge as myrtle plants . This shrub oak tree is wide distributed throughout the Florida coast , especially in teetotal , sandy soils . It has smooth , black brown bark and a spreading , rounded crown .
Myrtle Oak is qualify by glossy , leathery , glum light-green leaves that are about two inches in length . The undersides of the leave-taking browse from sensationalistic - green to orangish - brown . It can withstand a wide range of light condition and grows well in both full sun and partial shade . However , because it is an understory plant , too much shadow may occlude its emergence .
Vinca minor oak is a great compact covert orhedgefor tiny yards , providing both decorative appeal and practical manipulation . plant in USDA planting zones 8A to 9B , it usually reaches 15 to 20 feet in stature and 8 to 10 foot in spread when fledged . Its compact size and durable evergreen foliage make it an attractive addition to coastal preferences .
Bluejack Oak
The name “ Bluejack Oak ” ( Quercus incana ) add up from the unusual naughty colour of its deciduous leaf , which set it apart in the untamed environment of sandy ridgepole , scrublands , and hill found in Florida ’s semitropic zone . The Bluejack Oak fly high in the sandy soil of its aboriginal habitat , often mixed together with aboriginal true pine .
This oak tree expose a distinctive leafage color scheme with its upper side having bluish to ash-grey greenish leaf and its bottom being silver . Its thickheaded , profoundly grooved bark , which range in color from dark gray to nigrify , contributes to its countryfied allurement .
The trend toward smaller shadowiness Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , such as Bluejack Oak , has increase as suburbanization spreads throughout Florida . These trees provide functionality without compromise aesthetics . Furthermore , it may be trained to keep its tidy , proportionate appearance with judicious pruning .
It is important to remember that although Bluejack Oak has both pragmatic and esthetic reward , its acorns have the potentiality to discolor light - colour in pavement . Typically hit heights of 20 to 40 feet with a like spread head , Bluejack Oak thrive in USDA increment zone 7A to 9B and adds to the rich and hardy vegetation of Florida landscapes .
Laurel Oak
Laurel oak , or Quercus laurifolia , is a fast - growing ornamental oak that grows well in suburban Florida . Rich in shade due to its rounded to ellipse tip and dense canopy , it is a treasured addition to any landscape painting .
Thetree ’s glistening greentops and fluent , lite fleeceable bottom give its bay laurel - like leave its name and add to their visual appeal . The Laurel Oak is a tall , attractive tree that is adore by both landscapers and householder for its spry increment and abundant shade .
In northern Florida , this semitrailer - evergreen to deciduoustree loses its leavesin previous descent ; in warmer clime , it keeps some foliage all class round . Subtle ament in the leaping number into spherical , browned acorns by fall .
Although Laurel Oaks usually live for 50 to 70 twelvemonth , they have problems include wood rot and decay that hollow out their luggage compartment . But its capacity to hold damp condition and set to different types of soil makes it a durable and adaptable choice for both garden and urban options .
Shumard Oak
The Shumard Oak , scientifically known as Quercus shumardii , is a common sight in north Florida ’s panhandle and parking pot islands , residential landscapes , and commercial location . Its visual beauty is the only thing that can equal its robustness as one of the large in the red oak chemical group .
This deciduous tree provides twelvemonth - round beauty and is resistant to drouth , compacted soil , air contamination , and short drain . Large , deeply lobed leaf that are usually 4 to 8 inch tenacious alteration from a dark green to a brilliant crimson or cerise - orange color in the fall , adding breathless autumnal hue to Florida ’s scenery .
The Shumard Oak offers lot of shade and draws wildlife with its large acorns . It has an unresolved , broad jacket that gets big as it ages . It is a elastic and long - lasting icon of instinctive grandeur in Florida ’s planting zones , and it can grow in a variety of soil type with full Lord’s Day exposure .
Black Oak
In the Florida panhandle and throughout the eastern one-half of North America , mordant oak ( Quercus velutina ) are a common great deal . They grow well in a variety of wood condition , from moist , fertile soils to dry slope , though they are rarely found in bottomlands .
TheBlack Oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , which has lustrous , bass fleeceable leaves that are 4 to 8 inch longsighted and have xanthous - brown undersides , gets its name from its coarse , blackish bark . This noble tree can farm to be quite tall , so give it plenty of room to spread out . It can be used as a street tree or to provide shade in with child clear spaces .
This adaptable species , often called Eastern Black Oak or Yellow Oak , produce well in USDA increment zones 3A through 9B. It unremarkably reach heights of 50 to 60 fundament with a standardized cattle ranch . Its springtime blooming time of year signals the beginning of fresh ontogeny , tally to the divers textile of North American landscapes .
Southern Live Oak
With its talkative arm covered in Spanish moss , the Southern Live Oak ( Quercus virginiana ) is the ultimate representation of the Old South , conjuring up vision of grandeur and the past . This evergreen plant tree , which is widespread throughout central and upper Florida , can be come up in parks , mansion one thousand , historic plantations , and residential region . Its unmated scenic beauty enhances any landscape .
This brilliant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , which ordinarily has a rounded , wider - than - tall visibility , grows quickly in younker and populate for hundreds of years . It ’s a perfect choice for Florida ’s hurricane - prone area because of its slurred , twisting branches , which show exceptional wind resistance .
With years , the first reddish - brown and deeply furrowed bark turns a harsh , virtually sinister color . The glossy , dark green , leathery leave of the Southern Live Oak are 2 to 5 inches long , with a pale underside . The leaf stay in lieu until spring , when novel increase emerges to replace the old .
This oak can produce in a variety of grunge type , like moderate moisture capacity , and can withstand both floods and droughts quite well . Its adaptability is further demonstrate by the diminutive physique it takes on when planted in ironical locations .
Known by its vulgar name , Live Oak , it thrives in USDA emergence zones 7B to 10B. It reach heights of 60 to 80 feet and magnificent spreads of 60 to 120 feet , perfectly capturing the lastingness and timeless stunner of the southerly part .
