Laurel Oak
Quercus laurifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Laurel Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
480"–960" H × 360"–480" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states
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 411 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
Laurel Oak is a fast-growing shade tree with glossy, elongated leaves that remain on the tree through most of winter. It develops a broad, rounded canopy that provides excellent shade for large properties and can reach 40-80 feet tall and wide at maturity.
In an HOA neighborhood
Laurel Oak takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
This oak supports hundreds of butterfly and moth caterpillar species and provides acorns for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife. The spring flowers attract various pollinators including bees and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Laurel Oak need?
- Laurel Oak grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Laurel Oak bloom?
- Laurel Oak blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Laurel Oak native?
- Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Laurel Oak toxic to dogs?
- Laurel Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Laurel Oak toxic to cats?
- Laurel Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Laurel Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Laurel Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Laurel Oak HOA-friendly?
- Laurel Oak takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Laurel Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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