The Quercus virginiana, also known as the southern live oak, is an evergreen oak tree native to the southeastern United States. Often called simply "live oak" within its native range, the southern live oak is iconic of the Old South. This tree can grow to be large and spreading, reaching up to 50 meters in span. Its lower limbs sweep down towards the ground before curving up again, sometimes growing at severe angles. The southern live oak has a deep tap-root that anchors it effectively, producing a root system that makes it extremely resistant to strong sustained winds, such as those seen in hurricanes. Its crown is extremely dense, making it valuable for shade and shelter for wildlife. The Quercus virginiana is cultivated as a specimen tree or for shade in the southern United States and in parts of Europe and Australia. Although the wood is difficult to work with, live oaks were preferred as the source of the framework timbers for the wooden ships in the past, due to their strength and density.