White Oak
Quercus alba
Fagaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
White Oak is a long-lived, majestic tree native to Buffalo's forests. Known for its strong, water-resistant wood and sweet acorns that wildlife prefer, this oak can live for centuries. Its distinctive light gray bark and rounded leaf lobes make it easy to identify.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
7-9 rounded lobes without bristles
Height
80-100 feet
Bark
light gray with shallow fissures forming rectangular blocks
Fruit
sweet acorns with warty cap covering 1/4 of nut
Identification Tips
- • Rounded leaf lobes (no bristles like Red Oak)
- • Light gray, blocky bark
- • Acorns mature in one year
- • Leaves often have deep sinuses
- • Sweet acorns preferred by wildlife
Seasonal Changes
Spring
New leaves emerge with pinkish tinge
Summer
Blue-green leaves provide moderate shade
Fall
Red to wine to brown fall color, long-lasting
Winter
Light gray bark is distinctive in winter landscape
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Soil Preference
deep, well-drained, slightly acidic
Sun Requirements
full sun
Image Gallery
Leaves
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0
Winter
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0