Quercus alba

Common Names

White Oak, Stave Oak, Eastern White Oak, Northern White Oak, American White Oak, Forked-leaf White Oak, Quebec Oak

Summary

Quercus alba, commonly called white oak, is a large, long‑lived deciduous oak native to eastern North America, typically growing 60–100 ft tall with a broad crown. It prefers full sun and well‑drained, moist, acidic to neutral loams, tolerates a range of soils, and has a deep taproot that makes transplanting difficult; acorns provide wildlife food and mast years occur irregularly.

Ecologically valuable, White Oak supports wildlife through acorn production and hosts a diverse insect community, while wood is prized for furniture, flooring, barrels, and interior woodwork; it tolerates drought once established but requires ample space, full sun, and well‑drained acidic to neutral soils, with sensitivity to soil compaction and transplantation difficulties. Pests and diseases such as oak wilt, anthracnose, cankers, and various borers may occur, and pruning during dormancy helps reduce disease risk.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

50-80 feet

Spread

50-80 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Deep, moist, well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist, deep, loamy soil that is acidic to neutral.

Soil pH

5.5-6.5, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green foliage with a white or pale green underside; in autumn, leaves turn red, brown, wine, or purple.

Fall Foliage Color

Brown to Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow to moderately slow growth; about 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds (acorns) are the propagation method for Quercus alba; vegetative propagation techniques are being developed, but sources do not list specific methods such as spores, cuttings, division, or layering.

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators