This tree has a thick trunk and both the trunk and branches can twist into interesting shapes. The bark is red to bronze and peels. It's also called t , Tolerance, Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges. Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray. , Wildlife, Kingbirds and other flycatchers eat the fruits (IRC, Haehle and Brookwell 1999). , Habitat, Moist hammocks, dry hammocks, dry hardwood forests, coastal uplands, urban areas , Did You Know?, Interesting bark, Hurricane wind resistance Larval host for dingy purplewing (Eunica monima) (IRC).   Attracts bees and other insect pollinators

Depending on who you ask, there are two laurel oaks in Florida.  Q. laurifolia (swamp laurel oak) and Q. hemisphaerica (Darlington oak, sand laurel oa , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, Somewhat weak, and compared to live oak, short-lived. , Wildlife, Produces acorns that are used by rodents, including squirrels, and other mammals Acorns used by woodpeckers, jays, and wild turkeys. High in tannins. , Habitat, River floodplains, secondary woods. , Did You Know?, Larval host for Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) and White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album). Larval host for several moth species (some of the c

Moist wildflower meadow , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, Flowers open at night , Habitat, Wet flatwoods and bogs , Did You Know?, Pollinated by Sphinx moths