White oak

Scientific name: Quercus alba

Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)

This large native tree is one of the most important hardwoods found in Ohio and features some of the best fall colors among oaks. Its strong, waterproof wood is used for lumber, railroad ties, flooring, and furniture. White oak wood is also favored for barrel production. White oak acorns are a popular food source for wildlife and are eaten, stored, and gathered by rodents, birds, and deer. Found in a range of habitats across the state, the white oak prefers full sunlight and deep, well-drained, acidic
to neutral soil.

Identification

LEAF: Alternate, slightly obovate, 5-9 inches long. Leaf shape is highly variable but often narrows at the base to create a wedge shape at the stem and consists of seven to nine finger-like rounded lobes. Lobes differ greatly in their width and length.

TWIGS AND BUDS: Buds are small and rounded, with a cluster of relatively large terminal buds.

FRUIT OR SEED: Acorns are about 1 inch long, chestnut-brown, and enclosed at the end in a bowl-shaped, warty-scaled cup with a stalk.

BARK: Highly variable bark may be ridged, deeply furrowed, have small vertically aligned blocks or scales, and is light gray in color.

SHAPE: Spreading

MATURE HEIGHT: 70-100 feet.

Photo credits: © 2024 Donald Cameron, Arieh Tal (https://botphoto.info), ©Arthur Haines (Native Plant Trust), © 2024 Glenn Dreyer.