VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Quercus laurifolia | Laurel Oak 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
Although laurel oak has hard, heavy, and strong wood, it is not good
quality lumber.  It is marketed for pulp wood and also used for firewood
[8,27].


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
The consistent and abundant acorn crops are an important food source for
many animals, including white-tailed deer, raccoon, squirrels, wild
turkey, ducks, quail, smaller birds, and rodents.  Laurel oak ranked
second in quantity and frequency of acorns consumed by wild turkey in
Florida.  In a study of the 10 most heavily used winter foods of deer in
Florida, laurel oak acorns rated fifth, sixth, and seventh in a 6-year
period.  Acorns of the black oak group do not germinate until spring,
unlike those of the white oak group, and are an important winter food
source [27].



PALATABILITY : 
Laurel oak is considered a good deer browse [38].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Laurel oak has attractive leaves and is often planted as an ornamental
[27].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Laurel oak is susceptible to oak leaf blister (Taphrina caerulescens),
actinopelte spot (Actinopelte dryina), and canker rots by various fungi.
Although not damaged itself, laurel oak is a very susceptible host for
the alternative stage of fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum f. sp.
fusiforme), a serious disease of southern pines.  Weevils (Curculio
spp.) infest the acorns of laurel oak [27].

Laurel oak will grow well on moderately drained sites using several
silvicultural systems.  Natural regeneration is possible using the
shelterwood system but requires a relatively high density of 35 to 40
square feet basal area per acre (3.7-4.2 sq m/ha).  If clearcutting is
used, direct seeding is the best method to regenerate laurel oak.
Planting seedlings may be difficult because of poor drainage and
difficult access into bottomland sites [15].

Related categories for Species: Quercus laurifolia | Laurel Oak