Its leaves have deeply notched edges. Evergreens in the red oak group are often called live oaks. The live oak of the Southern States grows in the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plains. Its large, spreading branches are often draped with Spanish moss. In coastal dune areas, these trees grow as shrubs.
Live oaks are also common in dry regions of Texas.
The California live oak grows on hillsides along the southern California coast, where little rain falls during the summer. A number of shrubby, evergreen oaks grow in dry areas of California and the Southwest. The California scrub oak is found in regions that have frequent wildfires. The roots of this oak have many buds. Following a fire, these buds sprout and grow into new shrubs.