Different Types of Oak Trees Native to Florida
Globally, there are about 600 Quercus Oak tree species. About 26 different oaks grow in Florida and are either white or red oaks. A third category, intermediate oaks does not occur here naturally in Florida. The difference in oak trees can be seen in the overall mature height and spread size, as well as the leaves, flower style and acorns by the inside of the acorns shell and taste of the acorn. Acorns are an important wildlife food source. As a trusted tree service in Pinellas County, we can help with your Oak tree service and removal needs.
They are a widespread feature in most forest locations in the North and Central Florida. Oaks are part of the family of Fagaceae, which includes chinkapins and chestnuts. Many oak species are of economic importance, sold as ornamentals, hardwood timber and a source of tannins, dyes and corks. Some oaks species exhibit fall color while others remain green throughout the year. Given the proper site to develop, oaks will grow to provide shade relatively quickly and are a recommended landscape tree by many landscape architects, and Arborist.
We have complied a list of different types of Oak Trees native to Florida. If you have any questions about tree services in Largo, contact us today 727-289-1633.
BLACK OAK (QUERCUS VELUTINA)
Reaching as high as 85 feet, black oaks can have truck diameters between 3 and 4 feet.
BLUEJACK OAK (QUERCUS MARILANDICA)
Small but strong, Bluejack oaks typically don’t grow higher than 50 feet. Usually they are between 20 and 30 feet when they are growing in North Florida.
BLUFF OAK (QUERCUS AUSTRINA)
Bluff oaks are typically found on the riverside bluffs in rich, moist soils. They produce oval-shaped acorns, unlike most other acorns you will see in our North Florida timberlands.
CHAPMAN OAK (QUERCUS CHAPMANII)
Chapman oak trees can grow up to 50 feet high and have diameters of more than 12 inches, but usually do not get that large in Florida.
CHINKAPIN OAK (QUERCUS MUEHLENBERGII)
Chinkapin oak trees are not usually found on the coastal plains, but inland. They are very good at reaching heights between 60-80 feet with a 36 inch diameter.
LAUREL OAK (QUERCUS LAURIFOLIA)
Typically growing up to 60 feet, Laurel Oaks are usually very thick with trunk diameters of 3-4 feet. Laurel Oaks are very typical for Pinellas County. They are very weak structured trees and tend to snap, or break easily.
LIVE OAK (QUERCUS VIRGINIANA)
Live oak trees tend to grow in heights of 40-50 feet. Their massive trunk diameters can reach 48 inches across, making them ideal for timber. They retain their leaves until the new leaves appear, making them an “evergreen”. They are strong and long lived. Trimworks Tree Service highly recommends Live Oaks for replanting.
MYRTLE OAK (QUERCUS MYRTIFOLIA)
Myrtle oak trees are common along seashores, where they rarely grown over 35 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 to 8 inches.
OVERCUP OAK (QUERCUS LYATA)
Some Overcups can grow to heights of 100 feet, but in Florida they are typically much shorter.
POST OAK (QUERCUS STELLATA)
Post oak trees can grow up to 50 feet high, but they are typically shorter when they grow in Florida. They prefer dry, sandy soils or rocky slopes. Although they can also appear in rich bottom lands.
SHUMARD OAK (QUERCUS SHUMARDII)
Large and beautiful, Shumard oaks can reach up to 125 feet in height. They do their best in deep, rich bottomlands near streams and on riverbanks.
SOUTHERN RED OAK (QUERCUS FALCATA)
Southern red oak trees can grow as tall as 70 to 80 feet. They typically have trunk diameters of 2 to 3 feet. They are exceptionally well-suited to dry, infertile soil.
SWAMP CHESTNUT OAK (QUERCUS MICHAUXII)
Growing up to 80 feet, the swamp chestnut oak grows well in moist, bottomland soils that are periodically flooded in North Florida.
TURKEY OAK (QUERCUS LAEVIS)
Turkey oaks trees are rather small. They grow to reach heights of only 30 to 40 feet with a thin trunk diameter.
WATER OAKS (QUERCUS NIGRA)
Water oaks trees are tall but slim. Reaching as high as 70 feet with a typical diameter of only 2 to 3 feet.
WHITE OAK (QUERCUS ALBA)
White oaks, which are ideal for timber, typically grow between 60 to 70 feet high.
WILLOW OAK (QUERCUS PHELLOS)
Some of the largest oaks in the state are Willow Oaks. They can reach heights of 80 to 130 feet when fully mature. Trunks are generally between 3 to 6 feet think. They prefer rich, moist soil found in the bottomlands along the swamps or near streams.
CONCLUSION
Growing in different ecosystems, Florida’s oak species have different growth habits, mature sizes, leaves, acorns and flowers. Some species of oaks have a broad range of mature leaf shapes. If you have questions about Tree Removal in Largo, contact us at (727)-289-1633.