White Oak
Quercus alba · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Obovate with 7 to 9 deeply rounded lobes
Margin
Lobed with entire (smooth) lobe edges lacking bristle tips
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and branching secondary veins extending into each lobe.
Key Features
Deeply lobed leaves with rounded lobes lacking bristle tips, light gray bark that splits into vertical blocks, and acorns with warty, knobby caps that cover about a quarter of the nut.
Description
The White Oak is a magnificent, long-lived canopy tree known for its sturdy trunk, light gray flaky bark, and broad, rounded crown. Its leaves undergo a striking transition in autumn, turning from dark green to rich shades of brown, red, and deep purple, often persisting on the branches well into winter.
Habitat
Found in upland forests, ridges, and well-drained soils; prefers acidic, moist, loamy soils and full to partial sun exposure.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from southern Canada down to northern Florida and eastern Texas.