White Oak
Quercus alba · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblovate to oblong-obovate, deeply lobed with 7 to 9 rounded lobes
Margin
Entire with deeply rounded sinuses and lobes lacking bristle tips
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent, pale yellowish-green midrib and branching lateral veins extending into each lobe
Key Features
Deeply lobed leaves with completely rounded lobes lacking bristle tips, pale gray scaly bark, and acorns with warty, knobby cups covering about a quarter of the nut
Description
A magnificent large deciduous shade tree known for its sturdy trunk, sprawling branches, and distinctive rounded-lobe leaves. The bark is light gray and flaky, and it produces sweet acorns that are favored by wildlife. In autumn, the foliage turns a striking red to deep wine-purple before dropping.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests across a wide range of well-drained upland soils, ridges, and slopes, preferring slightly acidic to neutral soils in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from southern Canada down to northern Florida and west to Texas