Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus virginiana (Live Oak) is a majestic evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States from Virginia to Texas. This drought-tolerant oak blooms March through May and supports numerous butterfly species.
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) 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 Live Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
480"–600" H × 720"–720" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Live Oak is Texas's iconic native shade tree, forming a broad, spreading canopy with distinctive horizontal branching. This majestic semi-evergreen tree provides excellent shade and develops a picturesque, gnarled character with age. It's the quintessential Texas landscape tree, prized for its durability and classic appearance.
Growing Live Oak
Grow Live Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 600 inches tall and spread 720 to 720 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Live 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
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
Live Oaks support over 200 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillar host plants, making them exceptional wildlife trees. The acorns feed numerous birds, squirrels, and other wildlife throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- Where does Live Oak naturally grow?
- Live Oak is native to nine southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia, typically in coastal plains and lowland areas.
- When does Live Oak bloom?
- Live Oak produces flowers from March through May, with inconspicuous wind-pollinated catkins appearing before the new leaves emerge.
- What wildlife does Live Oak support?
- Live Oak serves as a host plant for various butterfly species and its acorns provide food for numerous wildlife species including birds, squirrels, and deer.
- How much water does Live Oak need?
- Live Oak is highly adaptable to different moisture conditions, tolerating both wet coastal areas and drought conditions once established, making it excellent for xeriscaping.
- Is Live Oak toxic to dogs?
- Live Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Live Oak toxic to cats?
- Live Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Live Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Live Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Live Oak HOA-friendly?
- Live 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.
Does Live Oak fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.