Depending on who you ask, there are two laurel oaks in Florida.  Q. laurifolia (swamp laurel oak) and Q. hemisphaerica (Darlington oak, sand laurel oak).  The taxonomists don't agree, and it appears that the two are distinctively different in north Florida but very much alike in southern and south Florida. They are separated here because one is a wetland and floodplain plant, the other grows in dry uplands.  Some authors note that regardless of ID, they get planted without much regard for origin or drainage. Often grown as a specimen tree, fast growing.

Grown less frequently than H. diptera but worthy of planting. Grow as an understory tree in a mixed or deciduous woodland. It blooms in early spring as the leaves appear and is more dainty than H. diptera. Does well when planted in association with Ericacious plants such as azaleas.

Specimen or shade tree.

Minimize competition especially if it is over-topping the Pityopsis. Endemic to the Florida Panhandle in a 6-county area near Tallahassee.   Listed as Endagered by the FDACS. Wildflower meadow. Foliage can be attractive year-round as it is silvery-gray green. Also suitable for naturalizing assuming plenty of light and minimal competition. The plants will spread locally.