Sand Live Oak
Quercus geminata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) is a drought-tolerant evergreen tree native to southeastern coastal states from North Carolina to Louisiana. This hardy oak blooms from March to May and thrives in sandy soils with full sun exposure.
Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata) 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
240"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Sand live oak is a majestic evergreen tree native to coastal regions with glossy, leathery leaves and a broad, spreading canopy. It develops impressive character with age, featuring thick, gnarled branches and attractive bark. This drought-tolerant oak thrives in sandy soils and provides excellent shade.
Growing Sand Live Oak
Grow Sand Live Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sand Live 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
- Occasional acorn and leaf drop
Wildlife value
This tree supports hundreds of butterfly and moth species as a host plant and provides acorns for wildlife. It attracts birds, squirrels, and other wildlife while serving as an important keystone species.
Common questions
- Where does Sand Live Oak naturally grow?
- Sand Live Oak is native to the southeastern United States, found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, typically in coastal plain areas with sandy soils.
- When does Quercus geminata bloom?
- Sand Live Oak produces flowers from March through May, with small inconspicuous blooms that are wind-pollinated rather than relying on insect pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Sand Live Oak prefer?
- This species thrives in full sun to partial sun with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to drought conditions and sandy coastal soils where many other trees struggle.
- Is Sand Live Oak toxic to dogs?
- Sand Live Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Sand Live Oak toxic to cats?
- Sand Live Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Sand Live Oak HOA-friendly?
- Sand Live Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Sand Live 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