White Oak.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

80 to 100 feet

Growth rate

Medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Care

Plant your white oak in a spot with plenty of space for its expansive root system and canopy to grow. Keep an eye out for leaf spots or signs of pests like oak wilt, which can affect the tree's health. Ensure the soil remains well drained to prevent root issues as the tree matures.

Watering

Young trees need regular deep watering during dry spells to establish a strong root system.

Feeding

Apply a slow release fertilizer in early spring if the tree shows signs of slow growth.

Pruning

Prune during the dormant winter season to remove dead or crossing branches.

Repotting

This tree is not suitable for container gardening long term due to its massive size.

Soil

Deep, moist, well drained acidic soil

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral

Temperature

-35 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The leaves and acorns contain tannins which can cause digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.

Children

Acorns are a potential choking hazard for small children if left within reach.

Contact allergens

The bark and leaves are generally safe, but some individuals may experience mild irritation from handling.

Airborne allergens

White oak pollen is a significant seasonal allergen that can cause hay fever in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

Acorns contain high levels of tannins and require leaching before they can be safely consumed by humans.

How to identify it

• Rounded lobes on leaves
• Light gray, scaly bark
• Acorns with warty caps
• Large, spreading canopy structure

Height

15 to 30m

Spread

15 to 25m

Leaves

green, red, brown, deciduous

Flowers

yellow, green, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• Nut WeevilCommon
• Oak Leaf BlisterCommon
• Oak WiltCommon
• Leaf ScorchUncommon
• Oak BorerUncommon
• Oak MildewUncommon
• Oak MothUncommon
• Sudden Oak DeathRare

Growing it

Propagation

seed

When to plant

Spring, Autumn

Plant white oaks in large open spaces where they can develop their full, majestic canopy without competition.

Grows well with

• Flowering Dogwood · It thrives in the dappled shade provided by the oak canopy.
• American Witch Hazel · This understory shrub complements the oak in woodland settings.

Similar species

• Bur Oak · It shares a similar stature but has distinctively fringed acorn caps.
• Chestnut Oak · It is another large oak that prefers rocky, well drained ridges.

Science

Family

Fagaceae

Genus

Quercus

Order

Fagales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern and central North America.

Conservation

This species is widespread and not currently of conservation concern.

It thrives in diverse soil types and is highly adapted to fire prone ecosystems.

Value to wildlife

larval host plant, food source for mammals, nesting site

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Uses

shade tree, timber production, wildlife habitat, landscape specimen

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does a white oak grow?

It is a slow to moderate grower, typically adding 30 to 60 centimeters per year.

Can I plant a white oak near my house?

No, its massive size and extensive root system make it unsuitable for small yards or close proximity to structures.

Where the name comes from

The name alba refers to the light, whitish color of the bark, while Quercus is the classical Latin name for oak.

Good to know

• White oaks can live for several hundred years.
• The wood is highly prized for furniture and barrel making.
• The leaves often turn a beautiful wine red in the autumn.
• It is the state tree of Illinois, Connecticut, and Maryland.