White Oak
Quercus alba

Height: 50-80´
Habit: broad-rounded, picturesque

Landscape Value:

The white oak is unquestionably one of our most majestic native species. If oak is the king of trees, then white oak is the king of kings. Early settlers found many old "monarchs" in the immediate area of Champaign-Urbana, but few of these original specimens exist today. The white oak is extremely slow-growing but will eventually reach very large proportions; the spread will easily match the height if the tree is grown in the open. It prefers moist, slightly acid soil but is tolerant of dry soils. It does not transplant easily and absolutely will not stand soil compaction. Groves of white oaks are popular locations for subdivisions for obvious reasons, but many times the soil around these grand trees becomes compacted during construction, and in a few years many of the old white oaks begin to die. If they are native to an area, leave them and treat them with respect, avoiding vehicular traffic and grade changes beneath the canopy. If planting, place in an open area with plenty of space to spread for the enjoyment of future generations.

Seasonal Characteristics:

• Summer: Dark green leaves grace the wide-spreading and picturesque canopy of the white oak. There are usually many openings that reveal the strong and gnarled branches, giving this specimen unmatched character.
  
  
• Fall: Fall color may vary from a rich, deep red to a dull brown. The leaves often hang on the tree for much of the winter. Acorn production can be quite heavy. Points of Interest:

Points of Interest:

The white oak is the State Tree of Illinois and could probably provide quite a history lesson if it could talk; the species will commonly live 400-500 years. The tree provides one of the strongest and finest all-purpose woods in the world. It is used for flooring, furniture, shipbuilding, and wine and whiskey barrels. The acorns are a favorite of wildlife, and Native Americans ground them into flour for bread making, first boiling them to remove the tannins.

Native Range:

Illinois, eastern U.S. from Maine to Florida, west to Minnesota and Texas. It is found in mature forest systems.

Link to White Oak