Quercus laurifolia aka Laurel Oak

Quercus laurifolia, also known as swamp laurel oak, diamond-leaf oak, water oak, obtusa oak, or laurel oak, is a medium-sized semi-evergreen oak tree that belongs to the red oak section Quercus sect. Lobatae. It is native to the southeastern and south-central regions of the United States, ranging from coastal Virginia to central Florida and west to southeast Texas. Although there are reports of the species growing in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it is likely that these represent introductions. The tree can grow up to 65-80 feet (20-24 meters) tall, with a large, circular crown. Its leaves are broad lanceolate, 1-5 inches (2.5-12.7 centimeters) long and 0.5-1.75 inches (1.3-4.4 centimeters) broad, unlobed, and have an entire margin and a bristle tip. They typically fall just as the new leaves start to emerge in spring. The acorns, which are borne in a shallow cup, are hemispherical, 0.35-0.5 inches (8.9-12.7 millimeters) long, green, and mature into a blackish-brown color about 18 months after pollination. Despite their bitter kernel, they are eaten by deer, squirrels, and birds. Acorn production is often heavy, enhancing the species' value for wildlife. The seedlings show embryo dormancy and germinate the following spring after fall ripening, and germination is hypogeal. Swamp laurel oak grows rapidly and usually matures in about 50 years, which has led to its wide use as an ornamental. It is host to the general oak-feeding insects but has no serious insect problems. Several species of Curculio weevils infest the acorns. Swamp laurel oak is also a super rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It likes soil that is well-draining. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Swamp laurel oak belongs to the Quercus genus and is native to the southeastern United States to Texas.