What is "laurel oak"

1. n. large nearly semi-evergreen oak of southeastern United States; thrives in damp soil [syn: pin oak, Quercus laurifolia]

2. small deciduous tree of eastern and central United States having leaves that shine like laurel; wood is used in western states for shingles [syn: shingle oak, Quercus imbricaria]

Laurel oak may refer to two species of trees native to the southeastern United States:

• Quercus hemisphaerica, sometimes called sand laurel oak or Darlington oak
• Quercus laurifolia, sometimes called swamp laurel oak, diamond-leaf oak, obtusa oak, or water oak