White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type (no specific named cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9
About This Tree
A magnificent large deciduous tree with a massive trunk, spreading crown, and strong horizontal branches. Known for its longevity and majestic presence in mature forests and landscapes.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves with 7 to 9 rounded lobes, deep sinuses, dark green in summer, turning rich red to purplish-brown in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to whitish bark, deeply furrowed into scaly blocks and ridges, providing a distinct rugged texture that helps with identification
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, well-adapted to temperate woodlands and urban landscapes
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces inconspicuous flowers and acorns in autumn, enters dormancy in late fall
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun, moderate watering needs once established, and exhibits good drought tolerance
Mature Size
Mature height of 50 to 80 feet with an equal or greater spread, slow to moderate growth rate, and a lifespan of several centuries
Special Characteristics
Highly durable hardwood used in timber and shipbuilding, notable resistance to decay, excellent autumn color
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports a vast array of wildlife including squirrels, blue jays, and deer which consume the sweet acorns, provides crucial nesting habitat for birds