Sand Live Oak
The sand live oak (Quercus geminata) is a sturdy, evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, particularly well-suited to sandy, coastal habitats. While sharing similarities with the towering live oak, the sand live oak remains a more modest size, typically reaching 20 to 50 feet in height, though it can occasionally grow taller. Its thick, leathery, elliptical leaves are dark green on top and grayish underneath, often with curled edges. This oak is known for its exceptional drought tolerance and wind resistance, making it a reliable choice for challenging landscapes. Each year, it produces acorns, a valuable food source for a variety of wildlife, including the Florida scrub-jay. Though smaller, the sand live oak offers similar landscaping potential to its larger cousin, provided one selects a form with the desired treelike structure. Keep in mind that the tannins in its leaves and acorns can stain concrete.
Sizes Available
Wholesale Only
1 Gallon
$4.00
3 Gallon
$8.00
7 Gallon
$22.00
Mature Sand Live Oak in its native habitat, showcasing its rounded crown and sturdy trunk.
Scientific Name: Quercus geminata
Common Name: Sand Live Oak
Hardiness Zones: 7a-10b
Height: 20-50 feet (occasionally up to 95 feet)
Spread: 20-50 feet (crown width about half the height)
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Spring & Summer: Dark green, thick, leathery, elliptical. Fall: Evergreen, so foliage remains dark green.
Bark: Rough, dark brown, deeply furrowed.
Sun: Partial shade to full sun.
Soil: Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils; adaptable to loam and clay; tolerates alkaline soil and occasional dryness.
Wildlife Value: Acorns are a significant food source for mammals, including deer and squirrels, and birds like woodpeckers and wild turkeys. It’s a larval host plant for several butterfly species, including the oak hairstreak and Horace’s duskywing. Often used as a nesting tree by the Florida scrub-jay.
Why Choose Sand Live Oak?
Exceptional Drought Tolerance:
Once established, the sand live oak is remarkably adapted to dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and regions with limited water availability.
High Wind Resistance:
This native oak is known for its resilience against strong winds, making it a strong choice for coastal areas prone to storms.
Wildlife Support:
The annual acorn production provides essential food for numerous wildlife species, contributing to local ecosystems.
Adaptable to Various Soils:
While it thrives in sandy soils, the sand live oak can also adapt to loam and clay soils, offering flexibility in planting locations.
Environmental Benefits of Planting Sand Live Oak
This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.
Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.
A single sand live oak can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 17,146 miles.
A single sand live oak can absorb enough stormwater to fill 2,173 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.
A single sand live oak removes as much air pollution as the weight of 334 smartphones.
Central Florida Lands and Timber Nursery, LLC. is a wholesale nursery specializing in a wide array of Florida native trees. With an inventory of over 2 million container-grown trees, CFLTN, LCC can meet the needs of large-scale reforestation, mitigation, and landscaping projects throughout the Southeast region.
Phone
(386) 294-1211
Address
3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066