White Oak
Quercus alba · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Obovate with 7 to 9 rounded lobes
Margin
Entire with deeply rounded sinuses and lobes lacking bristly tips
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig with a short petiole
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and branching secondary veins extending into the lobes
Key Features
Deeply lobed leaves with rounded lobes lacking any bristle tips, light gray flaky bark on mature trunks, and acorns with warty, knobby cups that enclose a quarter to a third of the nut.
Description
The White Oak is a majestic, long-lived deciduous tree known for its massive spreading crown, rugged light gray scaly bark, and high-quality durable timber. In spring, leaves emerge with a soft pinkish-red tone before turning rich green, and later producing sweet acorns that are a favorite of wildlife.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of well-drained upland soils and mesic forests, preferring slightly acidic to neutral soils with moderate moisture and full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from southern Quebec and Maine down to northern Florida and eastern Texas.