White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, no specific cultivar identified
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
Large, majestic deciduous shade tree with a massive trunk, expansive spreading crown, and durable hardwood structure
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves with deeply rounded lobes, lacking bristle tips, bright green turning rich red to purplish-brown in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to whitish bark with deep furrows and scaly ridges that form distinctive rectangular blocks on mature trunks
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, well-adapted to temperate forest zones
Growing Season
Spring leafing, flowering in mid-spring, acorn maturation in early autumn, and winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, moderate water needs once established, exhibits good drought tolerance
Mature Size
Height of 50 to 80 feet, equal or greater spread, slow to moderate growth rate, exceptionally long-lived
Special Characteristics
High-value hardwood timber, excellent drought tolerance, striking red-to-brown fall foliage, and durable decay-resistant wood
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports numerous birds, mammals, and insects by providing nutrient-rich acorns, nesting sites, and critical forest canopy habitat