Quercus laurifolia

A large, monoecious, deciduous tree that has dark grayish bark and most often a buttressed base. Leaves are alternate, simple, and entire. The acorn has a flattened base, with the cup covering about one-quarter inch of the nut. This is a short-lived oak (75 years on average).

Wildlife – Larval host of the Horace duskywing, Erynnis horatius, and white “M” hairstreak, Parrhasius m-album, butterflies.

Native Americans ate the acorns; they also used their oil for cooking and flavoring other foods such as hominy.