Live Oak – Desert Horizon Nursery

Live Oak

Quercus virginiana
Categories:
Trees  ·  
Shade Trees
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate water in Phoenix. Water deeply and regularly during establishment; established trees need supplemental deep irrigation during hot, dry weather. Irrigate broadly beneath and beyond the canopy, allowing soil to partially dry between waterings.
Size
40-50 ft tall × 40-60 ft wide
Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk (spreading)
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Description
A long-lived Southern shade tree with a massive trunk, broad spreading branches, and leathery leaves. Adaptable to Phoenix heat with adequate irrigation and room for its extensive canopy and roots.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form, Attracts Birds, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk (spreading)
Mature Size
40-50 ft tall × 40-60 ft wide
Flower Color
Yellow-green
Foliage Color
Dark green
Landscape Use
Desert / Xeriscape
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Autumn sage, Deer grass, Red yucca
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Foliage and acorns toxic to livestock in quantity (tannins)
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun; allow ample space away from buildings and overhead utilities.

Water: Moderate water in Phoenix. Water deeply and regularly during establishment; established trees need supplemental deep irrigation during hot, dry weather. Irrigate broadly beneath and beyond the canopy, allowing soil to partially dry between waterings.

Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils if drainage is adequate. Highly alkaline or saline soils may cause nutrient deficiencies and reduced vigor.

Mature size: Typically 40–80 feet tall and 60–100 feet wide; often smaller in Phoenix, depending on irrigation, soil, and available rooting space.

Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, usually March–April.

Evergreen / deciduous: Broadleaf evergreen to briefly semi-evergreen; older leaves drop as new growth emerges in spring.

Growth rate: Moderate; faster when young with adequate irrigation, slower under desert stress.