Oak Trees
Stately live oaks are the most recognizable Southern oak, but they represent just one of many species native to Florida. With all these choices, it's easy to find an oak that can work well in your landscape.
The nineteen species of oaks native to Florida include many of our most common and attractive trees, like Shumard and live oaks. These trees provide valuable wildlife habitat and food, and some offer showy autumn foliage. Oaks are typically strong and durable and have a long lifespan.
When pruned properly, many of the different varieties of oaks are fairly hurricane-resistant. Oaks grow relatively quickly and can provide shade for your home.
Many oaks are deciduous, meaning that they drop their leaves during the winter. Live oak is evergreen, as it gets its new leaves about the same time that it drops its old leaves.
UF/IFAS Sites
- Florida Forest Trees: Bluejack oak (Quercus incana)
- Florida Forest Trees: Laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia)
- Florida Forest Trees: Water oak (Quercus nigra)
UF/IFAS Publications
- Common Oaks of Florida
- Managing Oak Trees to Produce Food for Wildlife
- List of Oak Publications by Species
- Sudden Oak Death
- The Value of Oaks to Wildlife