White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Nut-bearing
Variety / Cultivar
None (wild species)
Hardiness Zones
3-9
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived hardwood with a broad, rounded crown and wide-spreading horizontal branches. It is a cornerstone species of North American forests known for its structural strength.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, 5-9 inches long with 7-9 rounded lobes. Alternate arrangement. Smooth margins without bristles. Dark green above, pale or glaucous below; turns red-burgundy in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray, typically breaking into small, vertical, overlapping scaly plates. On older trees, may be shaggy or more deeply furrowed near the base.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Late spring budding; flowering April-May; acorns mature by October; dormant in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but moderately shade-tolerant when young. Needs moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. High drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Height: 50-80 feet (can reach 100+); Spread: 50-80 feet; Growth Rate: Slow to Medium (12-24 inches annually).
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for timber (furniture, flooring, wine barrels). Excellent fall color. Long-lived, often reaching 300-500 years of age. Resistant to most serious pests.
Wildlife & Ecology
A keystone species. Acorns are a primary food source for over 100 species of animals, including deer, turkeys, and squirrels. Supports hundreds of caterpillar species for birds.