White Oak
Quercus alba · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Inferred species (Quercus alba), no specific cultivar identified in wood log form
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9; highly adaptable to both cold northern and warm southern climates.
About This Tree
A majestic, long-lived forest giant with a broad, rounded crown when grown in the open. Slow to moderate growth rate, reaching significant trunk diameters at maturity.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves; 4-9 inches long with 7-9 rounded lobes. Deeply or shallowly cut. Dark green above, pale or glaucous below, turning red or burgundy in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to ash-colored bark. On mature trunks, it often breaks into small, rectangular, overlapping blocks or loose, plate-like scales, as visible in the specimen image.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Broad leaves emerge in late spring; flowers (catkins) appear in April or May; acorns mature in a single season (autumn); goes dormant in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; moderate water needs. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types, though it prefers slightly acidic soil.
Mature Size
Height: 50-80 feet; Spread: 50-80 feet; Growth rate: Slow (12-14 inches per year); Lifespan: 200-500 years; Trunk diameter: 3-4 feet at maturity.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for timber (furniture, flooring, barrels); excellent fall color; deep taproot makes it wind-resistant; produces 'sweet' acorns preferred by wildlife.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical keystone species; supports larvae of hundreds of butterfly and moth species; acorns provide essential food for deer, turkeys, squirrels, and wood ducks; provides nesting for birds.