Sand Live Oak
Quercus geminata
Last reviewed: September 2026
Quercus geminata, or Sand Live Oak, is a slow growing evergreen tree suited to sandy, well drained coastal soils and full sun, with small spring flowers appearing March through May.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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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
- How much water does Sand Live Oak need?
- Once established, Sand Live Oak tolerates low water and dry, sandy soils well, making it a good choice for drought prone coastal landscapes.
- When does Sand Live Oak bloom?
- Sand Live Oak produces inconspicuous flowers from March through May, typical of oaks that rely on wind rather than showy blooms.
- Does Sand Live Oak lose its leaves in winter?
- No, Sand Live Oak is evergreen and keeps its leathery, dark green leaves year round, shedding and replacing them gradually rather than all at once.
- What kind of light does Sand Live Oak need?
- Sand Live Oak grows best in full sun but can also tolerate part sun conditions, especially in open sandy or scrub habitats.
- 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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Sand Live Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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