White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree and Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, no specific widely planted cultivar identified
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A large, majestic shade tree with a broad, rounded crown, sturdy branches, and a slow to moderate growth rate, valued for timber and landscape prominence
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves with 7 to 9 rounded lobes and deep sinuses, dark green above and paler underneath, turning rich red to brown in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to whitish, shallowly fissured into scaly blocks or vertical strips, becoming rugged and deeply furrowed with advanced age
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, adapted to a wide range of temperate climates
Growing Season
Leafs out in spring, flowers in mid-spring, drops acorns in autumn, and enters winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun, requires moderate moisture when young but develops good drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Reaches 50 to 80 feet in height with an equal or greater spread, trunk diameter up to 3 to 4 feet
Special Characteristics
Exceptional longevity, high-quality durable timber, strong resistance to wind damage, and striking purplish-red to brown fall foliage
Wildlife & Ecology
Acorns provide a vital food source for numerous birds, squirrels, deer, and turkeys, while the canopy offers critical nesting habitat for wildlife