FloridaLandscapeIQ
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida #1

Live Oak — South Florida Plant Guide

Quercus virginiana

Family: Fagaceae · Tree

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Itilizasyon Peyizaj

specimenboulevardcoastal bufferwindbreakmedianright of wayfoundation planting

Etikèt Estil

florida nativecoastalnaturalistic

Gid Kwasans pou Sid Florid

Bezwen Limyè

Full Sun

Bezwen Dlo

Low2/10

Once established (12–18 months), Live Oak is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Drought tolerant once established (18-24 months). During establishment, water 2x per week. After establishment, rainfall is generally sufficient in South Florida. Avoid chronic overwatering — root rot and crown decline in poorly drained soils. No supplemental irrigation on established native specimens on SFWMD drought-exempt zones.

Tè ak Fètilizasyon

sandylimestoneloamclaycoastalfill

Fertilizer: Slow-release balanced tree fertilizer 10-10-10 or organic compost top-dress (native — minimal need)

Schedule: Established native Live Oaks generally require no supplemental fertilization in South Florida. If deficiency is observed (pale foliage, slow growth), apply balanced slow-release granular tree fertilizer once in spring (March-April) under the full canopy drip line. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers — promotes soft growth susceptible to pest and wind damage.

Tolerans Sèl

High (7/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Wotè Matire
4080 ft
Lajè Matire
40100 ft
Vitès Kwasans
medium
Bezwen Dlo
2/10
Nòt Florida
Florida #1
Pri Enstalasyon
$$$
Zòn USDA
7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Estati FLEPPC
None
Nòt Iguàn
4/10

Kote pou Achte nan Sid Florid

Jwenn Live Oak nan pepinyè Sid Florid — verifye disponiblite ak pri nan pepinyè pre ou.

Kesyon Souvan Poze

How fast does Live Oak grow in South Florida?

Live Oak has a medium growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Live Oak safe for pets?

Live Oak is not safe for pets. Acorns contain tannic acid toxic to dogs — especially in large quantities. Acorn ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases kidney failure. Advise clients with dogs to monitor during October acorn fall. Leaf and bark are not a significant concern; acorns are the primary risk.

How much water does Live Oak need in South Florida?

Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Live Oak is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Live Oak tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Live Oak has high salt tolerance (7/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Live Oak available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Live Oak is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected as heritage tree in Miami-Dade County.

Disponiblite pa Konte nan Sid Florid

Miami-Dade County

Protected

Florida native — protected as heritage tree in Miami-Dade County. Specimens meeting DBH thresholds require removal or relocation permits from Miami-Dade DERM.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

Wè Gid Konte →

Broward County

Protected

Florida native — heritage tree protections apply under Broward County Code. Removal of qualifying specimens requires permit.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

Wè Gid Konte →

Palm Beach County

Protected

Protected heritage tree under Palm Beach County ULDC. Removal of specimens meeting DBH threshold requires permit from Palm Beach County.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

Wè Gid Konte →

Collier County

Protected

Florida native — protected under Collier County LDC. Heritage tree provisions apply to qualifying specimens.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

Wè Gid Konte →

Monroe County

Allowed

Florida native — allowed and encouraged. Live Oak less common in Florida Keys than mainland South Florida but grows well in protected inland locations.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

Wè Gid Konte →

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