Live Oaks
Timberview Ecosystems
Live Oak Basic Information
Common Name - Live OakGrowth Rate - grows between 13 and 24 feet a yearFull Height - 40 to 60 feet vertically; 60-100 feet spread (horizontally)Climate It Best Grows In - warmer but not tropical climates, such as the southern United StatesLife Span - 200+ yearsLeaves - stiff and leathery, with the tops shiny dark green and the bottoms pale gray; typically flattish with bony-opaque margins, with a length of 1 - 6 inches and a width of .4 - 2 inchesFlowers and Fruit - flowers are a faded brown color and grow in clusters; the fruit is an acorn that is usually .5 to 1 inch longReproduction Method - the live oak produces both male and female flowers, and in the spring the male flowers grow into catkins that release pollen into the air; this pollen is blown by the wind onto the receptive female stigma. The fertilized flower grows into an acorn, which in turn grows into an oak tree.
Many different organisms depend on live oak trees for survival. animals like birds and squirrels use the tree for shelter. Birds nest in the trees and squirrels hide in the branches. Squirrels, and many other animals such as rabbits, mice, raccoons, and cardinals, eat the acorns the live oak produces. One limiting factor that could affect the live oak from growing or surviving at Timverview is that the trees are probably going to eventually run out of space. A live oak has a spread of 60 to 100 feet, and the trees will not all have enough space to grow. As the trees grow bigger, they will have to compete for light and water to grow and become the dominate tree. The tree that does not get the nutrients it needs will die. Droughts and poor soil are also limiting factors that could slow down the growth of or kill the tree. Parasites such also harm live oak trees. Beetles, such as the bark beetle, eat their way through the tree and can eventually cause enough damage to kill the kill. Parasitic fungi like the parasitic pathogen Ceratocystis fagacearum cause lethal diseases like oak wilt, which is passed through the root systems of neighboring trees. The live oak tree has adapted to survive through various natural issues, such as fires and floods. This tree is also very resistant to salt spray and can grow near the ocean.Like any plant, live oaks need sunlight, water, and soil with nutrients, although the live oak is very adaptable to most soils. One thing the Live Oak will eventually need is more space, but for now the trees are still have enough space to thrive.A short term effect of the Live Oak is that it makes our campus more atractive and cleans out the air. In the long term, the trees will continue to clean out the air, prevent soil erosion, and will provide shade for students. It will also provide places for birds to live on our campus.
Young Live Oak
Around the Age of TImberview's Trees
Older Live Oak
A More Full Grown Tree
Live Oak Leaves
Leaves on a Live Oak