Running live oak
Quercus virginiana Mill.
Fagaceae (Beech family)
Description
One of a group of live oak varieties in the Beech family, running live oak is characterized by short, scrubby growth and is a geographic variation. These trees often form large, dense thickets.
There are several subspecies of this tree, including var. maritime, which is commonly known as bay live oak and is common to sandy soils near the coast. Another subspecies, var. fusiformis, may occur as a shrubby variety in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas.
The bark may be dark brown to gray, depending on the subspecies. The leaves are simple and are located alternately along the stem. The leaves are evergreen and persistent (remaining attached ro the stem through the winter).
The forage value of running live oak is fair for goats and wildlife.
Habitat
In Texas, this tree grows in sandy to shallow soils from the Rio Grande Plains through the Edwards Plateau.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Seed Type: Nut/Acorn
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Evergreen
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds
