live oak

American  

[lahyv] / laɪv /

noun

1. an evergreen oak, Quercus virginiana, of the southern U.S., having a short, broad trunk and shiny, oblong leaves: the state tree of Georgia.

2. any of various related trees.

3. the hard, durable wood of any of these trees.

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live oak British  

/ laɪv /

noun

1. a hard-wooded evergreen oak, Quercus virginianus, of S North America: used for shipbuilding

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Etymology

Origin of live oak

An Americanism dating back to 1600–10

Example Sentences

Death cap mushrooms are known to sprout across the state of California but they thrive in shady, humid or moist environments under live oak and cultivated cork oak trees.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Golden State, the beetles are attacking the coast live oak, canyon live oak and the California black oak.

From Los Angeles Times

One virtual reality segment centers on landscape architect Esther Margulies discussing the effects of climate change and the importance of planting California live oaks — “ember catchers,” says Mitchell — rather than palm trees.

From Los Angeles Times

While California live oak trees are protected in Altadena, others emblematic to the area are not.

From Los Angeles Times

Other residents and helpers have been showing up to give what they can, adding everything from aloe plants to coast live oak saplings to a 7-foot Aleppo pine someone had potted in a bucket.

From Los Angeles Times