A genuine keystone species and confirmed juglone-tolerant tree, white oak hosts hundreds of insect species including the larvae of countless butterflies and moths - making it one of the single most ecologically important trees a restoration project can plant, and one of the few large shade trees safe to site near black walnut.
Species Overview
Quercus alba, or white oak, is a large, stately deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America, reaching 60 to 100 feet with a broad, rounded crown. It is a long-lived species (up to 300 years) with light-gray, scaly bark, leaves with 7 to 9 rounded lobes, and annual acorns that are a vital food source for over 100 wildlife species.
Application
Large-scale shade and specimen tree plantings - needs ample room to mature
Wildlife-priority restoration - keystone species, acorns feed 100+ species
Plantings near black walnut and other juglone-producing trees
Larval host habitat for hundreds of insect species including butterflies and moths
Growing Conditions / Specification Data
Light: Full Sun
Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Rich, moist, well-drained upland soils; adaptable to a range of conditions
Growth Rate: Slow
Plant Type: Tree
Mature Height: 50-80 ft.
Fall Color: Red
Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
Root Depth: Very Deep (36 in.+) (deep taproot, difficult to transplant)
Salinity Tolerance: Moderate (documented tolerance to high soil salt, up to 8 mmhos/cm)
Drought Tolerance: High (can survive both significant drought and short periods of flooding)
Deer Resistance: Some
Flood Tolerance: Low - An upland forest species with roots highly sensitive to disturbance; not documented as flood tolerant.
Slow growth rate and large mature size have somewhat tempered its popularity in smaller landscapes, but it remains among the most ecologically valuable trees available. Transplants easily and rarely suffers prolonged transplant shock.
