Darlington Oak
Quercus hemisphaerica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Darlington Oak (Quercus hemisphaerica) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
360"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Darlington oak is a stately evergreen tree that provides year-round foliage and shade. It grows into a large, rounded canopy tree that maintains its leaves through winter, making it an excellent specimen for spacious landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Darlington Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Very large mature size requires adequate space
- Slow establishment period
Wildlife value
This oak supports bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. As with all native oaks, it provides habitat and food sources for numerous wildlife species throughout the year.
Common questions
- How much sun does Darlington Oak need?
- Darlington Oak grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Darlington Oak bloom?
- Darlington Oak blooms in April and May.
- Where is Darlington Oak native?
- Darlington Oak (Quercus hemisphaerica) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Darlington Oak toxic to dogs?
- Darlington Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Darlington Oak toxic to cats?
- Darlington Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Darlington Oak attract?
- Darlington Oak draws bees and beetles.
- Is Darlington Oak HOA-friendly?
- Darlington Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Darlington Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz