Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its large size, sprawling branches, and importance as wildlife habitat. It has broad, leathery, dark green leaves that persist year-round, dropping only when new leaves emerge in spring. The tree produces edible acorns, which are a food source for various animals, and its strong, heavy wood has been historically used for construction. Mature live oaks typically reach heights between 40 and 80 feet, though some can grow taller. Their spread can be just as impressive, with some specimens reaching 120 feet wide.

• Leaves: Dark green, leathery, oval-shaped, and evergreen or semi-evergreen 
• Flowers: Male flowers are on catkins, while female flowers are in leaf axils
• Fruit: Produces sweet acorns, typically narrow at the base, consumed by birds and mammals
• Trunk & Branches: Often a single, stout trunk with broad, gnarled, and drooping branches that can spread widely
• Habit: A large, stately tree that can grow over 80 feet tall, but also takes on a shrubby form in harsh conditions
• Longevity: Live oaks are very long-lived, with some specimens estimated to be over a thousand years old