White Oak

QUERCUS ALBA – White Oak

The White Oak is a very tall growing deciduous shade tree that is commonly found in the Eastern United States. 


[Elementary School students]

Did you know?

This is the official tree of which state?

The White Oak is the state tree of Illinois

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l930

What is this tree used for?

The wood from the White Oak is a strong hardwood material used in the production of furniture and homes.  

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l930

Colonists used the wood from this tree for what purposes?

The wood from the White Oak was used in building ships.

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=qual

Who eats the acorns?

The acorns from the tree are enjoyed by birds, squirrels and other animals.

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=qual

Leaf

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=35


[Middle School students]

Habitat (where it likes to live)

Well drained soils in full sun and also in wet soils
Location: Eastern and Central North America  (Zone 3 to 9)

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=35

Requirements (what it needs to live)

Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Shade Tree, Street Tree and Residential properties

Identification (what it looks like)

A (80’ to 100’) tall shade tree
It has a large rounded crown


[High School students]

Habit (how it grows)

Height: 50 to 80 feet
Spread: feet  50 to 80 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Description: Yellow to green color
Flower: Insignificant
Fruit: Showy rounded acorns
Sun: Full sun
Tolerate: Dry to medium soils

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l930

Leaf Bud

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=35

Acorn

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=35

Tree

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l930

Suggested Use (where to plant it):

Street Tree – To provide shade for sidewalks and along the road
Residential – Good shade tree for yards
Parks – Seth Hand Park


References:

  1. Missouri Botanic Garden – http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l930
  2. VA Tech – http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=35
  3. Wildflower Center - https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=qual