ExploreTree

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

White Oak

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

White Oak's deep roots reach for water in droughts, keeping it stable against strong winds.

White Oak's thick, furrowed bark protects its living tissues, helping it survive some forest fires.

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
Is 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

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Timber

Discover how people use wood from trees to build amazing things, from houses to furniture! It's an important natural resource that helps us every day.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!