White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Not applicable (straight species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
About This Tree
A majestic, long-lived tree with a wide-spreading, rounded crown and strong horizontal branching. This specimen shows the classic broad, open canopy character of a mature oak grown in a sunlit residential/field setting.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves typically 4 to 8 inches long with 7 to 9 deep, rounded lobes. The sinuses are deep and the margins are smooth. Color is bright green above and whitish-green underneath, turning reddish-brown or purple in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to white in color, typically broken into small, vertical blocky scales or thin plates. On older trees, the bark develops deep furrows and a shaggy appearance as seen on the lower trunk of this specimen.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America; native from Quebec to Florida
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (often with a pinkish hue), flowers in spring with catkins, acorns mature in late summer/early fall, and goes dormant in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun is preferred. Needs moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established but sensitive to root compaction and significant grade changes.
Mature Size
Height: 50–80 feet; Spread: 50–80 feet. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Can live for 200 to 500 years with a trunk diameter reaching 3–4 feet.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its high-quality timber used in furniture and barrel making. Excellent fall color. Highly resistant to ice damage due to strong wood. Historically significant as many early American settlements were built around these trees.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical ecological value; produces sweet acorns that are a primary food source for squirrels, deer, turkeys, and blue jays. It is a host plant for hundreds of species of Lepidoptera (caterpillars), supporting a diverse bird population.