White Oak
Quercus alba
Also listed as Quercus candida, Quercus nigrescens
Also known as Eastern White Oak, Stave Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A large, long-lived native deciduous tree with a broad rounded crown, white-barked branches, and attractive fall foliage. It produces acorns valuable for wildlife and is highly adaptable to various landscape settings.
Why grow it
White oak is a superior choice over red oak species for wildlife value, producing acorns with lower tannin content that are more readily eaten by game birds and mammals. Its dense, hard wood and exceptional longevity (400+ years) make it a durable framework tree for multi-generational permaculture systems. The species shows strong drought tolerance once established and requires less supplemental care than many ornamental oaks.
Watch out for
White oak is slow to establish and can take 20+ years to reach productive size, requiring patience in young systems. The species is sensitive to soil compaction and prefers well-drained sites; avoid planting in wet clay or areas subject to root disturbance. Acorn production is highly variable year to year, so plan wildlife integration accordingly rather than assuming consistent mast crops.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A large, long-lived native deciduous tree with a broad rounded crown, white-barked branches, and attractive fall foliage. It produces acorns valuable for wildlife and is highly adaptable to various landscape settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well White Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
White oak is a superior choice over red oak species for wildlife value, producing acorns with lower tannin content that are more readily eaten by game birds and mammals. Its dense, hard wood and exceptional longevity (400+ years) make it a durable framework tree for multi-generational permaculture systems. The species shows strong drought tolerance once established and requires less supplemental care than many ornamental oaks.
Watch out for
White oak is slow to establish and can take 20+ years to reach productive size, requiring patience in young systems. The species is sensitive to soil compaction and prefers well-drained sites; avoid planting in wet clay or areas subject to root disturbance. Acorn production is highly variable year to year, so plan wildlife integration accordingly rather than assuming consistent mast crops.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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