SYMBOLIC TREE OF THE SOUTH

The Live Oak in front of my vacation cottage

Looking like a scene right out of the Louisiana Bayou this Live Oak, draped with Spanish Moss, is the symbolic tree of the South. Quercus Virginiana, or Evergreen Oak, is a fast growing native tree with edible acorns that support a variety of birds and small animals. It's leaves are small, oval shaped, leathery and a deep shiny green.

The Florida State Champion Live oak in Alachua county, pictured below, is 108 inches in diameter and has a crown of 150.5 feet.

If properly cared for Live Oak can live for centuries. The low growing limbs make great places for children to climb or build a treehouse in. Some limbs are so low they almost touch the ground and make a good resting place for a cat in search of birds.

Live Oaks can be seen in abundance all over the South and is the state tree of Georgia. It is truly a majestic sight.