evergreen oak

An evergreen oak is a type of oak tree whose leaves persist for two years, keeping the plant green year-round. These trees belong to the genus Quercus, which includes about 450 species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.12

Oaks are known for their acorns, which serve as food for wildlife and can be processed for human consumption. Their lumber is valuable for construction, furniture, and other uses. Evergreen oaks, like the southern live oak (Quercus virginiana), can grow into massive trees with wide-spreading branches. Their leaves are typically dark green and glossy. While once thought to be exceptionally long-lived, the oldest known specimens are typically 200 to 300 years old.23