Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Quercus virginiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Low in tannin, it has a sweet flavour.; The seed is usually produced in clusters of 3 - 5 and is about 25mm long and 10mm wide.; It is about 12mm long according to another report.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy dry to wet soils, especially by the coast. Usually found in sandy-loam soils, but it is also found in heavy clays. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)