Specimen plant or rock garden.

Wildflower gardens, roadside wildflowers, meadows.

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.

Typically grown in the background of a wildflower garden as its tall flower stalks are only visible in fall. The remainder of the year is looks like a moderate-sized grass.

In the natural environment, this species benefits from periodic fire. Very difficult to see except when in bloom. Retain if present. Could be grown as a small specimen plant in a wildflower garden.

Poisonous if ingested. Groundcover in open, dry, sandy sites especially on dunes and the upper fringes of beaches.

Listed as Endangered in Florida.  Also found in Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean. This species has only recently begun to be cultivated in Florida.  Expect this information to be upgraded as more is learned.  Right now the only native nursery that we know of that is growing this species is Green Isles Gardens near Clermont, FL.

It is listed as Endangered by the State of Florida.  Please acquire only from reputable sources with appropriate permits. Smaller specimen tree, hedge plant, or small street tree.

Use as a specimen plant or as an understory in a mixed hardwood forest setting. This tree blooms in early spring before the leaves come out.