Quick answer: Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) is native to 10 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate water, drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Gravelly, sandy, loamy or clay, neutral to slightly acidic clay loams |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | 40-50 ft, up to 80 ft |
| Wildlife value | Cover for birds/squirrels, acorns as food, larval host for White M Hairstreak and Northern Hairstreak |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Southern live oak
Where is Southern live oak native?
Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) is native to 10 states across the South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Southern live oak bloom?
Southern live oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Southern live oak need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Moderate water, drought tolerant once established. Soil: Gravelly, sandy, loamy or clay, neutral to slightly acidic clay loams. Mature height: 40-50 ft, up to 80 ft.
Is Southern live oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Cover for birds/squirrels, acorns as food, larval host for White M Hairstreak and Northern Hairstreak.
Is Southern live oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Southern live oak is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Southern live oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus virginiana on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Southern live oak.
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- Maypop passionflower Passiflora incarnata
- Farkleberry Vaccinium arboreum
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
Also listed under
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