White Oak
Plant Type: Dormant, bare-root
Zones: 3-9
Soil Type: Clay, Loamy & Sandy Soils
Site Selection: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Mature Height & Width: 60-80' Height and 60-80' Spread
Growth Rate: Moderate - 12-24" per year on average
Moisture Requirements: Average soils
White Oak
Quercus alba
The White Oak is an impressive, stately tree that is well suited for large areas. The branches extend far away from the trunk and parallel to the ground which makes it an ideal shade tree. In spring, the leaves are light pink tinged with a silver color. A nice display of color gives way to a beautiful silhouette with a wide crown in late autumn and over winter. Plant this long lived tree where it has room to grow such as a large backyard or field, cemetery, park, golf course or campus. The White Oak can live for 500+ years, becoming ever more interesting as it matures. Please note: Oak trees grow with a tap root. A tap root is a thick, centrally located root that grows vertically. The tree(s) you receive will not exhibit a fibrous root system like many other hardwood species, and this is considered normal.
The White Oak is also known as the Stave Oak, Ridge White Oak, Forked-Leaf White Oak and the Fork-Leaf Oak.
The White Oak is a classic oak tree. This tree exhibits a large, strong form that looks great even after the leaves drop in autumn. This oak is best planted in an area where the root zone will remain undisturbed. Since this selection does not react to soil compaction or construction damage very well, you may consider the Red Oak for those situations.
Common uses for the White Oak include:
- Specimen tree for large spaces
- Often planted on golf courses or in parks and cemetaries
- Used as part of a large, long-lived windbreak
- Great wildlife value
