Botanical Name: Quercus virginiana Other Names: Virginia live oak Group: White Oak Description: Generally 40 to 50 feet tall with 36- to 48- inch diameter. Branching close to the ground into massive, wide-spreading limbs, forming a broad, low, dense, round-topped crown. Habitat: On sandy soils along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains. Range: From coastal Virginia south through Florida; west along the Gulf through southern Mississippi and Louisiana, to west-central Texas; found also in Mexico and Cuba. Usages: Timber Of little commercial use Wildlife Live oak acorns are important food source for many birds and mammals including mallard, wild turkey, squirrels, and white-tailed deer.  This species provides cover for birds and mammals.  The rounded clumps of moss found in live oak trees are used for nest constructions. Erosion Control This is an excellent species for reforestation to prevent erosion on originally cleared land for agriculture.  It has potential for revegetating coal mine spoils. Beautification Live oak is used for shade and as a ornamental.  It is considered "one of the noblest trees in the world and virtually an emblem of the Old South." General Comments: The nation's first publicly owned timber land was purchased to preserve these trees.  The very board branches are usually draped with Spanish-moss.  Today, live oaks are protected for public enjoyment. Some or all of the above information was taken from National Audubon Society Field Guide to North America Trees, Eastern Region and/or NRCS Plant Fact Sheet or Plant Guides.