This rapidly growing tree lives to be 30 - 50 years
old.
Description
The Laurel Oak can grow to be 50 - 60 feet tall and two to four feet in
diameter.
Leaves
The leaves are alternate, simple, elliptical, and two to five and ½
inches long and ½ to two inches wide. The leaf base is wedge-shaped and the margin
entire. Shiny green on top and paler below, each leaf has a yellow mid rib and petiole.
Flowers
The flowers are small and unisexual. Males are found as three-inch
catkins. Females are found on short stalks in the leaf axils.
Fruit
The fruit of the Laurel Oak is an acorn, found in ones or twos and is
sessile. Commonly ½-inch long, a thin, saucer-shaped cup covers 1/4 of the
nut.
Bark
The bark is approximately ½-inch thick and a dark red-brown. The bark is
mottled by deep fissures that are separated by flat ridges.
Landscape usage
Commonly used as an ornamental, this tree is easily maintained in most
environments. It is moderately drought tolerant but, has low salt-spray tolerance.
Interesting fact
Fruit and insects harvested from trees are used as food. The tree is used
for nesting and cover by wildlife. In addition, Laurel Oaks are used locally as fuel.
