White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species native type, no specific cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9
About This Tree
A magnificent, large deciduous tree with a commanding presence, featuring a straight, massive trunk, heavily furrowed light gray bark, and a broad, rounded, spreading crown with strong, open branching
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves, 4 to 7 inches long, with 7 to 9 rounded lobes and deep sinuses, turning rich reddish-brown to deep wine-red in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to whitish bark, divided into distinct vertical blocks or narrow ridges with scaly surfaces, becoming deeply furrowed and rugged with age
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, well-adapted to temperate forest climates
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, flowers in spring with catkins, drops acorns in autumn, and enters winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred, moderate to high drought tolerance once established, prefers well-drained loamy or acidic soils
Mature Size
Reaches 50 to 80 feet tall with an equal or greater spread, slow to moderate growth rate, and can live for several centuries
Special Characteristics
Exceptional longevity, highly durable heavy timber, strong resistance to wind, and rich burgundy-to-brown fall foliage color
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable keystone species supporting hundreds of insect species, providing acorns eaten by numerous mammals and birds, and offering nesting and roosting habitat