Quercus laurifolia aka Laurel Oak

Quercus laurifolia, or laurel oak, belongs to the beech family. It grows across the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Texas. It lives on floodplains and near swamps in North Carolina. This fast-growing tree forms a dense, rounded or oval crown. Garden trees reach about 40–70 feet [12–21 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 35–45 feet [11–14 metres]. Rare trees reach 100 feet [30 metres] in height. It gives shade on large lawns and in parks.

The tree has a straight trunk and slender, smooth twigs. Its pointed, reddish-brown buds cluster at the twig tips. Young bark is smooth and dark brown to gray. With age, shallow cracks form between rough, flat ridges. The trunk base may flare as the tree ages. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They are leathery, glossy green above, and paler beneath. Their edges are smooth or have a few shallow lobes. Young leaves may have a bronze tint. Southern trees can keep leaves through winter; northern trees lose them. Yellow fall leaves make only a modest display.

Small flowers appear from March to April. Male flowers form yellow-green catkins; female flowers form small reddish spikes. The flowers add little visual interest to the tree. Round, dark brown acorns sit in shallow, scaly cups. They take two years to ripen and drop in fall. Trees may begin bearing acorns at about 15 years old. Squirrels and other mammals feed on the nuts. The leaves feed moth and butterfly larvae, including imperial moths. Fallen leaves and acorns can create litter beneath the crown.

Plant laurel oak in full sun or partial shade. It prefers deep, fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. It also tolerates clay, loam, sand, and brief wet spells. Dry sites slow its growth, though it withstands some drought. Acid to neutral soil suits it best. Soil above pH 7 can cause leaf yellowing. Its tolerance of salt spray is low. Sources give USDA zones 7–9 or the broader 6b–10a range. The RHS rates it H6 for UK conditions.

Weak wood can break in strong winds, so early structural pruning matters. Trunks and large limbs may hollow through decay with age. Its reported lifespan is 50–70 years. Roots may lift paving where planting space is too narrow. Most pests cause little harm, though aphids and gall wasps occur. Powdery mildew and honey fungus may also affect it. Acorns contain gallotannin and can cause poisoning or gut blockage. Keep them away from dogs; they also pose a human poisoning risk.