aaron_sutherland's Identifications

The leaves on Q. laevis are alternate, lobed, and deciduous. Leaves have sharp pointed margins, with a 3 toothed apex. Texture is smooth and somewhat waxy. Another interesting observation is that the leaves on Q. laevis have a phototrophic vertical orientation to reduce moisture loss.

The flowers on Q. laevis are monoecious, having staminate flowers borne in naked aments and pistillate flowers in flowered spikes. Individual is not in bloom.

The fruits borne on Q. laevis are acorns that can take up to 2 years to mature. Hypogeal germination typically occurs in spring with individuals being hardened off by summer in preparation for a rise in temperature.

Lack of horticultural demand and decrease in habitat has caused turkey oaks in Florida to become somewhat of a rarity. Furthermore this individual was relocated by the Coccoloba Chapter of the Native Plant Society.