White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (no specific named cultivar identified)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9
About This Tree
A large, majestic deciduous tree with a broad, spreading rounded crown, heavy sturdy branches, and a massive trunk at maturity. Known for its strong wood and longevity.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves 4 to 7 inches long with 5 to 9 rounded lobes and deep sinuses, bright green above and paler beneath, turning rich brown to dark red in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to whitish bark, shallowly furrowed into vertical blocks or scaly plates, becoming deeply furrowed and rugged on very old trunks
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, well-adapted to temperate climates with varying soil conditions
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces flowers concurrently with new leaves, bears acorns in autumn, enters winter dormancy in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is preferred, moderate watering needs once established, exhibits good drought tolerance and prefers well-drained soils
Mature Size
Mature height of 50 to 80 feet with an equal or greater spread, slow to moderate growth rate, can live for several centuries
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for durable, rot-resistant hardwood timber used in furniture and shipbuilding, excellent reddish-brown fall color, and good tolerance to urban pollution
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports an immense variety of wildlife including numerous caterpillars, birds, and mammals that feed on its sweet acorns, providing crucial ecological habitat and food sources