Quercus laurifolia
Swamp Laurel Oak, Laurel or Darlington Oak

Mature Height: 60-148'     Longevity: 100 years

4-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

7-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
4: FACW hydric indicator. No mention of presence in upland areas.

8: Only "Mod" flood tolerance. Does not tolerate prolonged flooding. Is present on poorly drained sites near swamps.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z8 w/ small communities deep in Z7. (SOUTH) Solid Z9 as extends deep into FL.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS, appears may even enter Z10 in FL.

7   Sun Strength

7   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
6.5 = Rapid
0 = Generally not a pioneer
-.1 = 2 Major
0 = Conflict
0 = No
0 = 70
+.1 = 148'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
7 = Tolerant
+.3 = Climax Capable
-.1 = 2 Major
0 = Conflict
0 = No
0 = 70'
-.5 = Short

TOTAL SCORE (6.5): NRCS Plants database 20yr hgt does not correspond well with rapid rating. All literature indicates rapid growth however.

TOTAL SCORE (6.7): Tree can grow up through thick canopy. UnivFlorida website indicates tree declines at 50-60 yrs. Max age 100 based on this. Short lifespan & soil order presence prevent assignment of 8.

2   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: none (Big tree) = 2
Fire Effects (FEIS) database emphatic that tree is very susceptible to fire & even low intensity fires can kill mature trees. Lowest big tree value assigned.
Final Value = 2

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Little information about wind resistance. May have deep taproot on upland sands but rarely found there. Wood is hard & heavy & tree does not grow terribly tall. Will assign medium value.
Final Value = 3