SelecTree

A Tree Selection Guide

WHITE OAK

Quercus alba

FAMILY Fagaceae

SYNONYMS

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

STAVE OAK

EASTERN WHITE OAK

See: all Quercus
Photo locations: Missouri Botanical Garden - St. Louis, MO, University of Minnesota, UC Davis Arboretum - Davis, CA, Louisiana State Arboretum - Ville Platte, LA, UC Berkeley Botanic Garden - Berkeley, CA, The National Arboretum - Washington, DC, Finch Arboretum - Spokane, WA and Arnold Arboretum - Boston, MA
by M. Ritter, J. Reimer, C. Stubler, J. Yost, W. Mark

GENERAL INFO

Produces hardwood prized for commercial purposes such as furniture, flooring, and wine and whiskey barrels. Acorns can be ground to make flour.
Native range: Eastern North AmericaHorticultural use: Specimen or Buffer Strip or Shade Tree

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: Conical or RoundedFoliage Type: DeciduousMaximum Tree Height: 60 feetCanopy Width: 60 feetGrowth Rate: ~12-24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvateLeaf color: GreenFall Color: YesFlowers: InconspicuousFlower Color: GreenFlower Time: SpringFruit: Medium Brown AcornFruiting time: Fall or SummerFruit Value: Edible, Wildlife use itBark Color: Light Gray, Exfoliating, ScalyLitter Type: Leaves

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 1 - 3, 10Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Soil Texture: Loam or SandSoil pH: Acidic to AcidicWind Resistance: Medium Low

CONSIDERATIONS

Root Damage Potential: LowBiogenic Emissions: ModerateWildlife interactions: Attracts birds, mammalsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Armillaria, Anthracnose, Canker, Leaf Spot and Leaf Miner, Caterpillars, Borer, AphidsDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: VerticilliumUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 3, Approx. cross sectional area 3.80 sq. in.

External Resources

WikipediaiNaturalistKewThe Wood Database

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Quercus alba Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on May 15, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1228 >

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