Plants of the UNF Campus
Quercus laurifolia - Swamp laurel oak
Family Fagaceae
Description:
About 600 species of oaks can be found around the world,
mostly in the northern hemisphere. This is a native tree typically found in
moist sites in Jacksonville.
It becomes deciduous late in fall. Compared to other oaks, it is a faster
grower with relatively brittle branches. This is not a valuable timber tree but
is used for pulpwood and fuel wood. It produces an abundance of small acorns
that serve as a food for wildlife.
Some authorities separate this species from the laurel oak, Quercus hemispherica. Reportedly, Q. hemispherica tends to grow on drier
sites. Looking at cultivated plants on campus, the two types do not separate
out neatly by foliage or winter bud characteristics.
Location:
Plants can be seen north of the fountain at the Arena.
Size:
Large tree that can grow to over one hundred feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: moderately drought tolerant when established
Soil: average garden soil, no special requirements
This oak is adaptable and easy to grow in north Florida. It grows best where the roots can reach moisture.
Quercus laurifolia
Swamp laurel oak
Fagaceae
About 600 species of oaks can be found around the world,
mostly in the northern hemisphere. This is a native tree typically found in
moist sites in Jacksonville.
It becomes deciduous late in fall. Compared to other oaks, it is a faster
grower with relatively brittle branches. This is not a valuable timber tree but
is used for pulpwood and fuel wood. It produces an abundance of small acorns
that serve as a food for wildlife.
Some authorities separate this species from the laurel oak, Quercus hemispherica. Reportedly, Q. hemispherica tends to grow on drier
sites. Looking at cultivated plants on campus, the two types do not separate
out neatly by foliage or winter bud characteristics.
Plants can be seen north of the fountain at the Arena.
Large tree that can grow to over one hundred feet tall.
full sun
moderately drought tolerant when established
average garden soil, no special requirements
This oak is adaptable and easy to grow in north Florida. It grows best where the roots can reach moisture.
