White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Nut Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived tree with a broad-rounded crown and wide-spreading horizontal branches. The form is stocky and majestic at maturity, often as wide as it is tall. It is slow-growing but can live for several centuries.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate arrangement. Leaves are 4 to 8 inches long, with 7 to 9 deep, rounded lobes and smooth margins. Dark green above and pale or glaucous below. Fall color ranges from brown to rich burgundy/red.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to off-white. On younger trees, it is scaly; on older trees, it features rectangular blocks or narrow, vertical plates. Flaky texture that feels somewhat soft compared to red oak groups.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Leaves emerge in spring (late April/May); flowers in spring concurrently with leafing; fruits (acorns) mature in one season; enters dormancy in autumn with late-season color.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun for best growth but is moderately shade tolerant when young. Requires well-drained soil; moderately drought tolerant once established, but dislikes high pH or heavy clay.
Mature Size
Height: 50-80 feet; Spread: 50-80 feet; Growth rate: Slow (12-14 inches per year); Trunk diameter: 3-4 feet at maturity.
Special Characteristics
Highly valuable for timber (furniture, flooring, barrels); excellent fall color; deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant once established; high resistance to environmental pollutants.
Wildlife & Ecology
A keystone species. Produces 'sweet' acorns (low in tannin) that are a primary food source for over 100 species of birds and mammals. Supports hundreds of caterpillar species (Lepidoptera), providing critical food for nesting birds.