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-obovate, deeply lobed with typically 7 rounded lobes (devoid of bristles on tips)
Margin
Lobed with smooth, rounded sinuses and rounded lobe tips lacking bristle points
Arrangement
Alternate on the stem
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and clearly defined lateral veins extending into each lobe
Key Features
Rounded leaf lobes lacking bristle tips, light gray scaly bark, and sweet acorns maturing in a single season enclosed in a warty, knobby cap
Description
The White Oak is a majestic, long-lived deciduous tree known for its wide-spreading crown, pale gray flaky bark, and durable wood. Its leaves provide a dense canopy in summer and transition to striking red and brown hues in autumn before often persisting on the branches well into winter.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of well-drained upland forests, 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 eastern Texas