White Oak
ExploreTrees
White Oak
Quercus alba
The White Oak is known for its lovely, rounded leaves and strong wood. It’s a favorite place for birds to build their nests!
Habitat: Woodlands and forests
Appearance
The White Oak has distinctive light grey, scaly bark and leaves with round, finger-like lobes. In autumn, its foliage turns a beautiful reddish-brown, making it stand out in the forest. Its broad, rounded crown gives it a majestic, spreading appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
40
Interesting facts
Early settlers used its bark to make dyes and even leather!
It can live for over 500 years, a true ancient giant!
Its strong wood was used to build famous ships and settler's homes.
Many states have chosen the mighty White Oak as their official state tree.
Special abilities
Ability
Deep Root Anchor
White Oak's deep roots reach for water in droughts, keeping it stable against strong winds.
Ability
Fire Resistant Shield
White Oak's thick, furrowed bark protects its living tissues, helping it survive some forest fires.
Ability
Acorn Powerhouse
White Oak produces many acorns, feeding wildlife and helping new oak trees to grow.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-35 m
- Canopy Spread
- 15-25 m
- Edible
- No
- Trunk Diameter
- 90-180 cm
- Lifespan
- 200-500 years
- Fruit Type
- Acorn
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Squirrels devour its nutritious acorns.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer browse leaves and munch on acorns.
eats
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Jays eat and bury acorns, helping new trees.
parasitizes
Horned Oak Gall Wasp
Callirhytis cornigera
Larvae cause galls to grow on twigs.
symbiotic with
King Bolete
Boletus edulis
Fungus helps roots absorb nutrients.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
Mast OakStave Oak
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is White Oak?
20-35 m
How wide does White Oak spread?
15-25 m
Is White Oak edible?
No
How big is White Oak?
90-180 cm
How long does White Oak live?
200-500 years
Where is White Oak usually found?
Woodlands and forests
What kind of fruit does White Oak produce?
Acorn
How fast does White Oak grow?
Medium
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Zoo27 sightings22 species
Michigan, US
John Ball Zoo
You might spot African Lion, Komodo Dragon, and Brown Bear.
View guide →
Zoo30 sightings19 species
Delaware, US
Brandywine Zoo
You might spot Northern Raven, Bee, and Red Panda.
View guide →
Zoo28 sightings19 species
New York, US
Queens Zoo
You might spot Cougar, Coyote, and American Bison.
View guide →
Zoo30 sightings17 species
Michigan, US
Detroit Zoo
You might spot African Lion, Wolverine, and Giraffes.
View guide →
Park124 sightings17 species
Virginia, US
Lake Fairfax Park
You might spot Duck, Wood Duck, and Chlorosplenium Chlora.
View guide →
Zoo27 sightings17 species
North Carolina, US
North Carolina Zoo
You might spot African Lion, Giraffes, and Common Ostrich.
View guide →
