LAUREL OAK 



(Quercus Laurifolia) 



THIS representative of the black oak group is found nowhere except 

 in the southeastern states, and only in their borders. It never 

 ranges far inland, but sticks to wet localities and the margins of swamps 

 where its associates are tupelo, southern white cedar, cypress, magnolias, 

 and, near its southern limit, myrtle and other semi-tropical trees and 

 shrubs. It is sometimes utilized as an ornament, but that is not its 

 usual function. It is not a successful competitor as a shade tree with 

 willow oak and water oak. 



Beginning at the border of the Dismal Swamp in Virginia as the 

 northern limit of growth, this interesting tree ranges southward along 

 the coast to Cape Romano in Florida and westward in the lower Gulf 

 states to southeastern Louisiana. It is seen at its best in eastern Florida. 

 It puts forth a vigorous growth on the hummock land in the southern 

 part of that state, where it develops a shapely trunk when in crowded 

 stands. It grows well in very rocky ground. 



Although the common name laurel oak is prompted by its foliage, 

 the tree bears various other sectional names. It is known as laurel oak 

 in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida; Darlington 

 oak in South Carolina; willow oak in Florida and South Carolina; water 

 oak in Georgia. The latter name has a tendency to confuse it with 

 another species which is properly called water oak (Querciis nigra). 



The ornamental qualities of this tree are due to the tall stately 

 bole, its shapely and symmetrical round-topped head and slender 

 branches and twigs. It sometimes attains the dignity of one hundred 

 feet in height with a proportionate diameter of three or four feet. The 

 bark is firm, of dark, reddish-brown color, and usually is not fissured but 

 finely broken into small close, scale-like plates. On old trees, especially 

 at the butt, deep fissures divide it into broad ridges. The buds are shiny 

 brown, and they narrow abruptly to an acute point. The acorns are 

 either sessile or have short stalks, and they usually grow alone. They 

 are short and broad, and are incased in shallow, thin cups. In the flower- 

 ing season hairy aments add to the attractiveness of the tree. The 

 leaves are dark green above and lighter on the lower surface and are 

 grouped rather closely on the twigs. They attain a length of four inches 

 or less, and fall gradually after turning yellow. 



Laurel oak seems to be little used. It is occasionally referred to as 

 rather inferior to other members of the black oak group, but it is not 

 apparent why it bears that reputation. It may be on account of its 



205 



