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.

Most reproduction is vegetative (Lonard et al. 2015). Plant in coastal wetlands on upslope side of mangrove swamps.

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.

The various sources have conflicting opinions on the fruit and its uses. Specimen plant or wildlife planting for moist areas. Screen plant. Suggested by IFAS as a median planting or buffer planting for roadways.

All bellworts that occur in Florida are rare. Please do not transplant from the wild unless there is imminent danger of site destruction (permits may be required). Retain if present in the landscape. Makes a nice spring wildflower in a wooded setting. Can be allowed to naturalize.