White Oak

White Oak

Quercus alba

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest, Grassland, Urban
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

A classic, eastern shade tree with a rounded crown of wide, spreading branches that are often horizontal. Height: 60-100’ Spread: 40-60’. It is not unusual for the crown spread of a white oak tree to be as wide as it is tall. The bark is a light ash-gray and peels somewhat from the top, bottom and/or sides. Leaves are alternate and obovate or oblong, with seven to nine lobes. Specimens have been documented to be over 450 years old. This tall tree has high-grade wood, making it a very important lumber tree.It was also used in colonial times for shipbuilding. The White Oak is often called the “Stave Oak” because the wood is outstanding in making tight barrels for whiskey and other liquids.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fagales
Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Quercus
Species: Quercus alba

Scientific Name

Quercus alba

Common Name

White Oak
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
March-May

Ecological Role

White Oaks are a keystone species. The White Oak is critical to many wildlife and pollinator species. It provides forage for birds and mammals. It is also an important host for insects and helps to feed caterpillars which also in turn feed the birds.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Habitat Types

Forest
Grassland
Urban

Geographic Distribution

Native to eastern and central North America and found from Minnesota, Ontario, Quebec, and southern Maine south as far as northern Florida and eastern Texas.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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