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.

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 the tourist tree, who also may be reddish and peeling. Plant as a specimen tree to show off its bronze-colored peeling bark. Also makes a good shade tree.

Sprawling. Best used as a wildflower.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray