Georgia State Tree: Live Oak

The Live Oak functions as Georgia's official tree. This evergreen oak keeps its leaves year-round, though it drops old leaves just before new ones emerge in spring. The tree can reach massive proportions in open areas and is featured in broader comparisons on the list of U.S. state trees.

Live oaks develop huge rounded crowns. The largest specimens spread up to 150 feet across. Branches grow long and drooping. Spanish moss typically drapes from the limbs in coastal areas. The bark becomes black and blocky with age.

These oaks grow throughout Georgia's coastal plains and islands. The species ranges from Virginia south through Florida and west to Texas, with Georgia's interstate context reflected in States Neighboring States.

The common names include Live Oak, Southern Live Oak, and Virginia Live Oak. The scientific name is Quercus virginiana. The name 'live oak' comes from the tree keeping green leaves through winter, unlike deciduous oaks that lose their leaves.

The species name virginiana refers to Virginia, though the tree grows far beyond that state. Taxonomists originally described the species from Virginia specimens in the 1700s.

Georgia established the Live Oak as its state tree on February 25, 1937. The Edmund Burke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution suggested the designation. Joint Resolution No. 14 passed both chambers.

The resolution emphasized the tree's connection to Georgia's early history. Live oaks flourished where Georgia's first settlers resided along the coast. General James Edward Oglethorpe founded the colony among these trees. Methodist minister John Wesley and poet Sidney Lanier also lived in areas with live oaks, alongside civic ideals captured in Georgia's official motto.

The legislature noted many other states had chosen indigenous trees as emblems. Georgia had not. The resolution declared the live oak as 'the official tree emblematic of the State of Georgia.'

Live oak wood played a crucial role in American naval history. USS Constitution's frame was built from southern live oak harvested from St. Simons Island, Georgia. The wood grain's extreme density gave the ship unusual strength.

During the War of 1812, British cannon fire bounced off Constitution's hull. Cannonballs struck the wooden sides and fell into the sea. This earned the ship the nickname 'Old Ironsides.' The live oak frame made this possible.

Shipbuilders preferred live oak for framework timbers. The natural trunk and branch angles provided strength. The curved growth patterns fit ship construction needs. The wood resisted rot and withstood tremendous force.

Georgia's state flower is the Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata), designated in 1916 at the request of the Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs. The white flowers bloom in late spring. The resolution claimed the plant was indigenous to Georgia, but the rose originated in China and was introduced around 1780; see Georgia's flower page for details. Current legislation proposes changing the state flower to native Sweetbay Magnolia. Georgia also recognizes native azalea as the state wildflower.

Live oaks display several distinctive features. The leaves are small, leathery, and dark green on top with pale undersides. They measure two to five inches long and stay on year-round. The leaves have smooth or slightly toothed edges.

Long horizontal limbs extend outward, often drooping toward the ground. Spanish moss frequently hangs from branches in coastal areas. The massive spreading crown provides dense shade.

Acorns appear in clusters of three to five. Each acorn measures about three-quarters of an inch long, dark brown, with a warty cap covering one-third of the nut. They mature in September.

The Live Oak symbolizes Georgia's coastal heritage and early colonial settlement. Its association with founding figures like Oglethorpe connects the tree to the state's origin story. The tree's use in naval shipbuilding represents Georgia's contribution to American military history and appears in state symbolism alongside the Georgia state flag. Its longevity and hurricane resistance stand for strength and endurance.