Plant: evergreen tree to 50' with greater spread, sprouts from roots and acorns to form colonies

Origin: southeast USA coastal communities and hammocks, dominant species

Zone: 8 - 10

Flowers: inconspicuous catkins in spring. Followed by acorns in fall.

Foliage: simple, waxy held until late winter, then quickly replaced with a new flush. Spanish moss is a common companion. Dense canopy in open areas, more open canopy in forests.

Culture: sun to part sun. Rich, well-drained, mesic soil. Tolerant of shade, salt spray, flooding, and drought.