Live Oak, Quercus virginiana, is an iconic tree from mesic (moist) hammocks of the south, including throughout Florida. It's dimensions can be 60-80 ft. in height and 60-100 ft. in width. Dark-green, waxy leaves drop in late February as new leaves emerge. Its picturesque massive limbs and persistent, glossy foliage have sustained its popularity as a residential shade tree or street tree. This is a tree with a cast iron constitution and deserves it's high regard. Live Oak is highly adaptable and Quercus supports the highest diversity of butterflies, moths and other insects than any other genus of trees. Plant in moist to average sites for a very large canopy tree for shade and wildlife benefits. High wind, salt, drought and flood tolerant. For smaller urban properties, consider smaller growing Myrtle Oak or Blue-Jack Oaks.

Hosts include:

• Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), Pink-striped oakworm moth (Anisota virginiensis), Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda), Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis), Ilia Underwing, (Catocala ilia), Carpenterworm Moth, (Prionoxystys robiniae), Oak Leafroller Moth, (Archips semiferana), Dot-lined White, (Artace cribraria), Horace's duskywing (Erynnis horatius), red-banded hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) and white-M hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album) butterflies.