Small specimen plant in wet areas.  Does well in bog gardens and rain gardens or bioswales.

The distribution mimics the distribution of steepheads, a stream/valley system that originates in a very steep-headed ravine where the water seeps out of the ground to form a stream, and the headwall gradually moves uphill due to the water exiting the ground undermining it. Screen or specimen plant in shady wet settings.

Some literature sources suggest that this species may have some salt tolerance as it apparently grows along the upper edges of some salt marshes, but so far as we have seen recorded, not in Florida. Moist/wet wildflower garden.

Shoreline stabilizer or plant as cover in a pond. Can tolerate wide water level fluctuations. Frequently used in marsh restoration and wetland creation projects.

Used extensively in Indian cultures. Fruits are very high in Vitamin C. Casual settings, wetland edge or screen plant. Rain gardens and bioswales. Long bloom period.

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. Even if they are one species, this would be a ecotype that is more suited to drier settings. They are separated here because on 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. Shade tree where fast growth is needed. Tardily deciduous.