Quercus hemisphaerica aka Darlington Oak

Quercus hemisphaerica is known as Darlington oak or sand laurel oak. It belongs to the beech family, Fagaceae. Its native range spans the southeastern United States to Texas. It grows on sandhills and other dry, sandy sites. This fast-growing tree reaches about 60 feet [18.3 metres], sometimes more. Smaller trees are also frequent, with a rounded crown. Its life span is about 50 years.

The leaves can stay green through winter or fall late. Old leaves drop as fresh growth starts in spring. They grow in an alternate pattern along the twigs. Each leaf has a smooth edge and a rounded base. The tough, glossy upper surface is dark green. The lower surface is paler. Young bark is smooth and gray-brown. Older bark turns dark brown, with deep grooves and flat ridges. Slender, hairless twigs bear small lenticels and reddish-brown buds. Pointed buds cluster at the twig tips.

Flowers appear in spring, with males forming hanging greenish catkins. Female flowers sit close to the twig on short stalks or none. The dark brown acorns take two years to mature. Each nut is about half an inch long. A gray, scaly cup covers up to one-third of it. The stalkless nuts provide food for wildlife in fall. The tree also offers wildlife cover and attracts butterflies. Its wood has uses as fuel and pulpwood.

Grow this oak in full sun or partial shade. It needs good drainage and suits acidic, sandy loam. It tolerates drought, salt, and dry soil. The listed hardiness range is USDA zones 6–9. Growers can raise new trees from seed. Its rapid growth makes it useful for shade and street planting. It also suits natural areas and coastal sites. Yet its short life limits its value near homes. Disease and decay become greater concerns as the tree ages.

NC State reports that a fungal laurel oak disease can kill this tree. Mites, gall wasps, leaf miners, and tent caterpillars may also occur. Acorns contain toxic compounds, though the source rates poisoning severity as low. Eating them can cause gut pain and changes in bowel habits. Acorns can also block the gut. Other reported signs include urine changes and jaundice. The nuts are edible only after leaching or boiling removes tannins. Untreated acorns should not be treated as ready-to-eat food.