There are over 500 species of oak trees. As such, it’s no surprise that they’re often mistaken for one another. While the laurel oak and live oak look similar, there are some key differences in how they grow and their care needs. Here’s how to tell the difference between the two to make the right choice for your property.
| Laurel Oak | Live Oak | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Quercus laurifolia | Quercus virginiana |
| Alternative Names | Diamond leaf oak, swamp laurel oak, water oak | Virginia live oak, Southern live oak, scrub live oak |
| Origin | Native to the Southeastern states | Native to the Southeastern states |
| Description | Typically grows 65-80 feet tall, with some growing up to 130 feet. The leaves are narrow, tapered, ovaline shaped, with raised veins. They grow to 5 inches long and 1.25 inches wide. The leaves occasionally have 3 points, though one is typical. The bark is dark and smooth, often covered with lichen, giving it a lighter, silvery look. | Typically grows 50-80 feet tall. The bark is dark brown and rugged. The branches in many live oak breeds hang low with a weeping effect. Leaves are tapered and oblong with dark green, waxy tops and a soft, light-green bottom. |
| Uses | Typically planted as an ornamental tree or processed as pulp wood. Great tree for attracting and feeding deer, pheasants, and squirrels. | Traditionally used shipbuilding and barrel-making (cooperage). Also used in modern cabinetry and furniture making. |
| Growing Zones | Grows in USDA Zones 7-10. | Grows in USDA Zones 6-10. |
| Interesting Features | Laurel oak is a semi-evergreen tree, holding its leaves until late winter, and is considered one of the hardiest oaks for cold climates. | Unlike most oaks, live oaks are evergreen, not deciduous. This is why they’re called “live oaks” as they stay alive year-round. |
Laurel Oak vs. Live Oak: Key Differences
Laurel oaks are semi-evergreen and keep their leaves until late winter. Live oaks are true evergreens and don’t drop their leaves.
It’s important to note that the term live oak is often used as an umbrella term for any evergreen oak in the Southern states. However, there are many subspecies with minor leaf and bark characteristics variations. When speaking colloquially of a specific species, live oak generally refers to the Southern live oak.
Laurel Oak vs. Live Oak: Classification
Laurel oaks and live oaks are related through the genus Quercus, which refers to all oak trees.
Both the laurel oak and live oak are also members of the subgenus Quercus (New World Oaks) to differentiate them from the subgenus Cerris (Old World Oaks). In other words, these oaks are native to North America rather than Europe and Asia.
A mature live oak tree draped in Spanish moss.
©Serge Skiba/Shutterstock.com
Laurel Oak vs. Live Oak: Origin
Both laurel oaks and live oaks are native to North America, specifically covering the Southern states. Laurel oaks extend farther west to California, while live oaks are more plentiful in the east. The laurel oaks growing on the West Coast may have been transplanted by humans and are not naturally occurring.
Laurel Oak vs. Live Oak: Description
Laurel oaks are taller than live oaks, growing 65-80 feet tall, with some growing up to 130 feet. Their leaves are distinctive with a narrow, tapered, oval shape and raised veins. When found in a deep forest, the bark is often a dark brown with a smooth texture. In some areas, lichen covers the laurel trunks, making them appear lighter and gray-silver.
Live oaks can grow 50-80 feet tall but grow shorter and wider in some regions. They have rougher trunks with deep fissures in the bark. Their leaves are oblong with a shiny, waxy deep green top that looks and feels like leather. The bottom of the leaves is a softer green.
Laurel oaks grow faster than live oaks, but live oaks live longer. While a healthy laurel oak can live up to 150 years, live oaks can live far longer.
Both laurel oaks and live oaks produce near-identical acorns. However, laurel oaks fruit in the late fall or early winter, while live oaks fruit in the late summer or early fall.
Due to pruning habits and growth restrictions, Laurel oaks and live oaks are difficult to tell apart in urban settings. Hurricanes and extreme weather can also affect the trees’ leaf-shedding patterns, making them appear deciduous.
Both laurel oaks and live oaks produce near-identical acorns. However, laurel oaks fruit in the late fall or early winter.
©carpathian/Shutterstock.com
Laurel Oak vs. Live Oak: Uses
Laurel oak is a favored ornamental tree. Its low-quality wood is not suitable for lumber, though it’s frequently used for pulpwood products. Laurels are a nice addition to a country yard or garden that will attract herbivorous wildlife.
Live oaks are robust and sturdy. They were used historically in shipbuilding and cooperage. Live oaks were used to build the USS Constitution (a.k.a. Old Ironsides), a US Navy frigate named by President Washington and used in the Battle of 1812. These days, live oak is used for building furniture, cabinets, flooring, and trim.
The bark of a laurel oak has a smooth texture.
©Michael O’Keene/Shutterstock.com
Laurel Oak vs. Live Oak: Growth Tips
Plant laurel oak in USDA Zones 7-10 in an area with full sun or partial shade. Allow plenty of room, placing the tree at least 15 feet from your house. Laurel oak is tolerant to diverse soils but thrives in loamy or clay-rich soil. Water bi-weekly for the first few months until established, skipping weeks with heavy rainfall.
Plant a live oak in USDA Zones 6-10 during its dormant period (late winter) in an area with full sun. Allow plenty of room, placing the live oak at least 15 feet from your house. Plant with bone meal and add mulch. Water weekly for the first season until established, skipping weeks with heavy rainfall.
Live oaks are robust and sturdy trees.
©iStock.com/Sunshower Shots
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