Virginia Oak

Also known as the southern live oak, the Virginia oak is the iconic tree of the Deep South in the US, where many large and old specimens up to 400 years can be found today. A deep taproot anchors the tree when it's young and eventually develops into an extensive, widespread root system that helps make the Virginia Oak long-lived and extremely wind resistant, often surviving hurricanes and sustained windy conditions. The broad dense crown makes for welcome shade and valuable habitat for wildlife, with all parts of the Virginia Oak used by Native Americans for cooking, medicine, rug making and dyes. The acorns are an important food source for some species of birds, bears, squirrels and deer. The wide spreading branches frequently support other plant species - it is a sight to behold to see a mature Virginia Oak romantically draped in a filigree shawl of Spanish moss. Like many oaks, the Virginia oak tends to survive fire and even if burned, it resprouts vigorously.