Live Oak
Quercus virginiana

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A tree which keeps its leaves through the year. They loose some leaves in colder regions. It grows to 12-15 m tall. It spread out widely. The branches are large and spread widely almost reaching the ground. The leaves are narrow and oval. They are 5-13 cm long. The edge is smooth. They are dark green and shiny above and whitish underneath. The acorns are narrowly oval and 2.5 cm long. They are enclosed for almost half their length in reddish-brown cups. The nuts are sweet and edible.

There are about 600 Quercus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow on most soils. It can tolerate frost. It can resist salt spray. It suits hardiness zones 7-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The acorns are eaten. They are ground into a fine flour, sun dried and made into porridge. They can be crushed and used for bread. The nuts are used for oil.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

It grows quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Quercus virens;