Laurel oak

Laurel oak
Quercus laurifolia

Laurel oak is a rapidly growing tree usually found on sandy soils such as the edges of rivers and swamps. Its leaves are semi-deciduous, which means that the current year’s leaves remain on the tree while those of the previous year will fall. Its acorns are small and dark-colored, with a flat, saucer-shaped cup that is covered with hairy scales. The tree is widely used as an ornamental and reaches maturity in about 50 years.

Laurel oak leaves are small, 2 to 4 inches long, pointed, and can have unevenly-lobed edges.