Southern Live Oak Tree

An Icon of the South

A concisely written, descriptive overview and photographic essay showcasing both one of Nature’s and America's most unique, historical, and culturally significant native trees, the Southern Live Oak ( Quercus virginiana ).   Inhabiting the coastal areas of southeastern US,  the Southern Live Oak is distinguishable from other oak species by its unique shape and size and derives its "live" descriptor from the tree's characteristic heartiness, longevity, and evergreen appearance.    The early Native Americans assigned spiritual qualities to these Oaks followed later by the early pioneers who associated them with local historical and culturally symbolic qualities, all of which consistent with beliefs of trees, and oaks specifically, that date back to the Ancient World.