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Quercus hemisphaerica (Darlington Oak)

Coast Laurel Oak, Darlington Oak, Laurel Oak, Sand Laurel Oak, Upland Laurel Oak

Quercus hemisphaerica, Coast Laurel Oak, Darlington Oak, Laurel Oak, Sand Laurel Oak, Upland Laurel Oak, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree
Quercus hemisphaerica, Coast Laurel Oak, Darlington Oak, Laurel Oak, Sand Laurel Oak, Upland Laurel Oak, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree

Adding a great presence to the landscape, Quercus hemisphaerica (Darlington Oak) is a medium to large, evergreen or tardily deciduous tree of pyramidal habit in youth, becoming more rounded with age. The leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), are shiny, leathery, with smooth margins or edges. Dark green above, bright green underneath, they fall in spring when the new leaves emerge. The bark is gray and mostly smooth when young, becoming dark brown with deep furrows producing flat ridges with maturity. The acorns are small with a grayish cup that covers about 1/3 of the dark brown nut. They are biennial and are a valuable source of food for many species of mammals and birds. A fast grower, it is appreciated for its ability to grow in a variety of conditions including dry and poorly drained soils. Popular in the South and mid-Atlantic, it makes an excellent shade or lawn tree for large areas or for use in naturalized areas. Relatively short-lived (75–125 years), it is excellent for wildlife.

  • Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall (12-18 m) and 30-40 ft. wide (9-12 m).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this tree is easily grown in loamy or sandy, acidic, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions including clay. Drought and salt tolerant.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Relatively easy to transplant. Susceptibility to diseases and rot with maturity.
  • Toxic to horses.
  • Native to the southeastern United States from southern North Carolina to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Laurel Oak, Oak
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 60'
(12.2m - 18.3m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Quercus douglasii (Blue Oak)
Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak)
Quercus myrtifolia (Myrtle Oak)
Quercus velutina (Black Oak)
Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak)
Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)

Recommended Companion Plants

Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)
Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine)
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
Green Canopy, Better World: Exploring the Benefits of Trees
Trees that Invite Wildlife to Your Garden
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Quercus (Oak) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Grow Your Own Oak Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Acorns
8 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Plant an Oak Tree
Native Oak Trees: A Must-Have for Your Landscape
Native Plant Alternatives to Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Laurel Oak, Oak
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 60'
(12.2m - 18.3m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Quercus (Oak)
Not sure which Quercus (Oak) to pick?
Compare Now

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