White Oak
Quercus alba · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Oblovate to oblong-ovate, deeply lobed with 7 to 9 rounded lobes
Margin
Lobed with characteristically rounded sinuses and rounded lobe tips (no bristles)
Arrangement
Alternate on the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and branching lateral veins extending into the lobes
Key Features
Rounded leaf lobes lacking bristle tips, light gray scaly bark, and acorns with warty, knobby caps covering about a quarter of the nut
Description
The White Oak is a magnificent and majestic hardwood tree known for its massive spread, durable wood, and longevity. The bark is light gray and scaly, peeling in small strips. Its leaves provide deep seasonal interest, emerging pinkish-gray in spring, turning deep green in summer, and rich reddish-brown or wine-red in autumn.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of well-drained upland soils, ridges, and slopes, preferring slightly acidic to neutral soils in deciduous forests
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Quebec and Maine south to northern Florida and eastern Texas