White Oak
Quercus alba · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Lobed with 7 to 9 rounded lobes and deep sinuses, inversely egg-shaped (obovate)
Margin
Entire along the smooth edges of the rounded lobes
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and branching secondary veins extending into the lobes
Key Features
Deeply lobed leaves with completely rounded lobe tips (lacking bristle tips), light gray scaly bark, and acorns with warty, knobby caps covering about a quarter of the nut
Description
A magnificent large deciduous tree known for its widespread crown, durable hardwood, and distinctively rounded leaf lobes. The bark is light gray and scaly, and it produces sweet acorns that are a primary food source for wildlife.
Habitat
Well-drained upland soils, rich woods, slopes, and ridges, though adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from southern Canada down to northern Florida and eastern Texas