White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Nut Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (Standard Species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived tree with a wide-spreading, rounded crown. Known for its strong wood and majestic stature, it grows slowly but becomes a landmark feature over centuries. Features an open canopy with sturdy horizontal branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate arrangement. 4-9 inches long with 7-9 deep, rounded lobes (no bristles). Deep green in summer, turning rich red, burgundy, or brown in autumn. Undersides are often pale or glaucous.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to off-white, often appearing in small, overlapping papery scales or plates. As it ages, it develops deep vertical furrows and thick ridges.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Bud break in spring, flowering in late spring, acorn maturation in one season (autumn), dormant in winter. Best planted in spring or fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; moderate water needs. Highly adaptable to various soil types but thrives in deep, moist, well-drained acidic soils. Relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Height: 50-80 feet; Spread: 50-80 feet. Growth rate: slow (1-2 feet per year). Lifespan: 200-500+ years.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional longevity; high-value timber used for whiskey barrels and flooring. Superior fall color compared to many other oaks. Resistant to many pests, through sensitive to construction-related root disturbance.
Wildlife & Ecology
A keystone species. Provides high-protein acorns for over 180 species of birds and mammals. Supports hundreds of species of caterpillars (Lepidoptera), providing a critical food source for nesting songbirds.