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ROC #343460

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Live Oak

Quercus virginiana

A majestic, long-lived shade tree with a massive spreading canopy that transforms large landscapes.

Very cold hardy to about 10°F with excellent heat tolerance, thriving from low to high desert; evergreen.

AMWUA Notes

Moderate water; wide, deep irrigation supports the massive root system.

Care Guide

💧Watering

Deep-soak every 1-2 weeks in summer while young and every 2-3 weeks once established; irrigate the wide root zone deeply.

✂️Pruning

Structural pruning in the first years is critical to establish a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffolds; minimal once mature.

🌱Fertilizing

Light feeding to establish; apply iron for chlorosis in alkaline soils.

🛡️Pests

Generally tough; occasional oak galls or borers, and Texas root rot in poorly drained soil.

☀️Seasonal Notes

Spring catkins carry heavy allergen pollen; evergreen (sheds old leaves in spring) with fall acorns.

Soil, Feeding & Propagation

🪨Soil

Deep, well-draining loam or amended native soil; tolerates alkaline pH 7.5–8.5 but can show iron chlorosis in caliche

💧Drainage

Needs well-drained soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

Low feeder.

🌰Propagation

Grown from fresh acorns sown in fall; superior forms grafted

📐Spacing

30–50 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

Massive spreading root system; keep 25–30 ft from pools, foundations, and hardscape

Placement Tips

•Massive 50 ft spread makes this an estate or large-lot tree only; give it 25-30 ft from foundations, pools, and hardscape.
•Roots and leaf and acorn litter are substantial, so plan the location as a permanent commitment.
•Water deeply across a wide root zone to support the spreading canopy.
•Full sun; long-lived, so site it once and for good.

Features

Massive spreading canopyEvergreen foliageLong-lived shade treeIconic southern tree

Best Uses

Shade treeLarge landscapePark or estate tree

Companion Plants

tree

Native

Canyon Hackberry

Celtis reticulata

A tough native shade tree prized for its wildlife value, producing berries that attract birds and mammals.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

grass

Native

Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

A fast-growing versatile native bunch grass with lush flower plumes that dries to an attractive tan.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii

A compact sage that blooms prolifically from spring through fall, keeping hummingbirds and bees happily fed.

Moderate Waterpartial shadePool Safe

succulent

Red Yucca

Hesperaloe parviflora

One of the toughest and most rewarding desert plants, sending up arching coral-red flower spikes that hummingbirds adore.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

Quick Stats

Water NeedsModerate

Sun Exposurefull sun

Mature Size40 ft H × 50 ft W

Growth Ratemoderate

Maintenancemoderate

HardinessUSDA 9-11

FoliageEvergreen

Drainagewell-drained

Bloom SeasonSpring

Bloom ColorGreen

Litter Levelseasonal

ThornsNone

Native RegionSoutheastern US

Design Styles

mediterraneanlow maintenance

Include in Your Project

Love Live Oak? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.

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Use this care guide to maintain your Live Oak. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.

Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.

Live Oak — common questions

Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.

How much water does Live Oak need in Phoenix?

Live Oak is a moderate-water tree once established. Deep-soak every 1-2 weeks in summer while young and every 2-3 weeks once established; irrigate the wide root zone deeply. Moderate water; wide, deep irrigation supports the massive root system.

How big does Live Oak get?

Expect roughly 40 ft tall and 50 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 30–50 ft of spacing when planting. Massive spreading root system; keep 25–30 ft from pools, foundations, and hardscape.

Can you plant Live Oak near a pool?

Not ideally. Live Oak is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated seasonal.

Can Live Oak handle Arizona heat and winter frost?

Live Oak is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Very cold hardy to about 10°F with excellent heat tolerance, thriving from low to high desert; evergreen. Spring catkins carry heavy allergen pollen; evergreen (sheds old leaves in spring) with fall acorns.

Does Live Oak have thorns?

No. Live Oak is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.

Is Live Oak safe around pets?

Live Oak is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.

When does Live Oak bloom in Arizona?

Live Oak blooms in spring, with green flowers.

How much maintenance does Live Oak need?

Live Oak is moderate-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated seasonal. Structural pruning in the first years is critical to establish a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffolds; minimal once mature.

What kind of soil does Live Oak need?

Deep, well-draining loam or amended native soil; tolerates alkaline pH 7.5–8.5 but can show iron chlorosis in caliche. Nutrient needs are low. Light feeding to establish; apply iron for chlorosis in alkaline soils.

Is Live Oak native to Arizona?

No. Live Oak is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Southeastern US, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.