Oak – Desert Horizon Nursery

Oak

Quercus virginiana
Categories:
Trees  ·  
Shade Trees
Light
Full sun
Water
Water deeply and regularly during establishment. Once established, allow soil to partially dry between deep irrigations; supplemental summer watering is important in Phoenix. Irrigate broadly beneath and beyond the canopy, keeping the trunk dry.
Size
40-60 ft tall × 40-60 ft wide
Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Description
Southern live oak, a long-lived shade tree with leathery leaves, a broad canopy, and strong, spreading branches. Adaptable to Phoenix heat with adequate irrigation and rooting space.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Birds, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk
Mature Size
40-60 ft tall × 40-60 ft wide
Flower Color
Yellow-green
Foliage Color
Dark green
Landscape Use
General Landscape
Garden Style
Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Sandy / Rocky
Companion Plants
Autumn sage, Damianita, Deer grass, Red yucca
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Foliage & acorns toxic to livestock and pets (tannins)
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade.

Water: Water deeply and regularly during establishment. Once established, allow soil to partially dry between deep irrigations; supplemental summer watering is important in Phoenix. Irrigate broadly beneath and beyond the canopy, keeping the trunk dry.

Soil: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils with adequate drainage. Tolerates moderately alkaline soil, but highly alkaline conditions may cause iron chlorosis.

Mature size: Typically 40–60 feet tall and 60–80 feet wide; potentially larger with age and favorable conditions.

Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers in early spring, often appearing with new leaves.

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

Growth rate: Moderate; faster when young with adequate water and suitable soil.