Spreading Live Oak
Quercus virginiana 'Bok Tower'
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
The Southern live oak needs no introduction in the coastal South, where the great, spreading, moss-draped evergreens are as much a part of the landscape as the light. Quercus virginiana 'Bok Tower' begins from that familiar species but carries an unusual story and, perhaps, an unusual future.
The acorns for this selection were collected at the famous Bok Tower Gardens in central Florida, from a single, most peculiar specimen. Surrounded by normal-looking live oaks, that plant is dense and all but trunkless, only about eight feet tall, growing outward rather than up until it covers some thirty feet of ground, a live oak that behaves like a great low mound.
Whether the offspring will inherit that low, spreading habit is an open question, and an honest one. We cannot promise that these seedlings will grow as their strange parent did, but we hope some of you with room in zones 8 and 9 will plant them, watch, and let us know. That is part of the pleasure of a plant like this: to take part in a small, unfinished experiment in a living thing.
Site 'Bok Tower' in full sun on well-drained ground with room to spread, as a low, sculptural evergreen mound, a broad groundcover-scaled specimen, or simply a live oak grown for curiosity and conversation. Give the warmth of zones 8 and 9, expect the same tough, salt- and drought-tolerant constitution as the species, and treat the eventual habit as a happy uncertainty rather than a guarantee. However the tree grows, each plant carries a piece of one of Florida's most beloved gardens in the acorn.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 6–8 Feet · Spread 20–30 Feet
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.