White Oak Tree

White Oak Tree Overview

White Oak tree (Quercus Alba) is native to eastern and central North America. The tree is large and straight and at maturity can reach up to 90 feet! If you’re looking for a long-lived tree then you’d be happy to learn that White Oak trees can live for 200-300 years! In fact, some estimate that the Great White Oak located in Basking Ridge, New Jersey was 600 years old. While it is called white oak, the bark is usually light grey. In fact, the name refers to the color of the finished wood. Moreover, it is a very valuable hardwood tree.

White Oak trees grow in rounded shape.The bark is light gray and scaly. The leaves are green but turn a beautiful red and orange color in the fall. These trees flower from April to May and fruit from September to October. Their acorns are small but are a valuable source of food for wildlife, notably for turkeys, wood ducks, pheasants, grackles, jays, nuthatches, thrushes, woodpeckers, rabbits, squirrels, and deer.

Although it is adaptable to different soil environments and textures, it grows particularly well in acidic, deep, moist well-drained soils. Because it has a deep tap root, it can be difficult to transplant the trees.

Tree Characteristics

• Uses: landscape, attractive bark, beautiful spring blossoms and fall color
• Size: Medium sized tree with height of 50 to 80 ft. and spread of 50-80 ft. when reach maturity
• Growth: Slow to medium growth rate (height can grow about 12-24″ each year)
• Sun Conditions: Best grown in full sun and partial shade. Best to get at least four hours of direct sun.
• Soil Conditions: Grows well in acidic, deep, moist, well drained soil. It is not tolerant of alkaline soils, or shallow soils. Can tolerate droughts and wet soil.
• Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Check out our guides page for information on how to take care of trees.