How much sun does Catesby's oak need?

Catesby's oak grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Catesby's oak bloom?

Catesby's oak blooms in March and April.

Where is Catesby's oak native?

Catesby's oak (Quercus laevis) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Catesby's oak host?

Catesby's oak is a larval host plant for banded hairstreak and red-spotted purple.

Catesby's oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus laevis

Last reviewed: November 2026

Catesby's oak (Quercus laevis) is a perennial tree native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Catesby's oak, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Catesby's oak (Quercus laevis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

180"–600" H × 180"–360" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states

Pollinators

wind-pollinated

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

A deep-rooted oak with irregular, twisting branches and deeply lobed, glossy leaves that turn red in fall before dropping. It grows on dry sandy soils and has an open, picturesque rather than formal form.

Growing Catesby's oak

Grow Catesby's oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for banded hairstreak, red-spotted purple.

Oaks support more caterpillar species than almost any other native tree genus, and the acorns are a major food source for birds and mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Catesby's oak need?: Catesby's oak grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Catesby's oak bloom?: Catesby's oak blooms in March and April.
Where is Catesby's oak native?: Catesby's oak (Quercus laevis) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Catesby's oak host?: Catesby's oak is a larval host plant for banded hairstreak and red-spotted purple.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Catesby's oak? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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