Difference Between Live Oak & Scrub Oak
Live oaks (Quercus virginiana) and scrub oaks (Q. gambelii) have many characteristics in common. Both oak species are native to the United States, and neither have any cultivars. Live oaks are commonly found in the Southeastern part of the country, while scrub oaks are native to Utah and the West. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size
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The most apparent difference between live and scrub oak trees is size. Scrub oaks are small, shrublike trees. Although the trees can reach a maximum height of 60 feet, they are more commonly classified as large shrubs or small to medium-sized trees. Live oak trees are much larger. They can grow to 100 feet and have an equally wide canopy, according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension website. Live oaks' trunks can be as wide as 6 feet across. Scrub oak acorns about a 1/2 inch long, while live oak acorns are twice as large.
Appearance
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Scrub oaks are scruffy, twisted trees with multiple trunks and dense foliage. The bark is grayish brown, scaly or ridged. The three-lobed leaves turn yellow in the fall. Live oaks are different in appearance. They grow on one, thick trunk with large, sturdy, horizontal branches stretching to almost double the height of the tree in some cases. The leaves are ovate and waxy and remain on the tree until spring in most climates. Many live oaks are draped with Spanish moss, adding to their Southern appearance.
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Growth
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Scrub oaks grow in tight groups at a slow-to-moderate rate. This makes them a fire hazard in the wild. They can be cultivated as a landscape tree, as long as they are cared for properly. Scrub oaks develop suckers, and drop their acorns and leaves, making a mess in the fall. Live oaks grow quickly at first, and then slow down. They can live for 300 years. As live oaks grow, train them to grow on one trunk and prune it to create an open shape, which helps prevent oak wilt disease.
Other Considerations
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Scrub oaks are more drought resistant than live oaks. Scrub oaks thrive in hot, dry locations, but will not tolerate shade. Live oaks tolerate more shade and prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil, although established trees tolerate periods of drought. Scrub oaks are not usually seriously bothered by insect pests and diseases. The same is true for live oaks, with one exception. Live oaks suffer from oak wilt, a fungal disease fatal to the tree. Oak wilt is rare in most areas.
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References
- Clemson Cooperative Extension; Live Oak; Debbie Shaughnessy, et al.; May 1999
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Quercus virginiana: Southern Live Oak; Edward F. Gilman, et al.; November 1993
- West Virginia University Extension Service; Scrub Oak; Emily K. Grafton
- Utah State University; Oaks for Utah; Michael Kuhns; Aug. 14, 2007
- Utah State University; Gambel or Scrub or Rocky Mountain White Oak; Aug. 15 2002
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
