by Christopher T. Slaydon

The name White Oak refers to Quercus alba, also known as the Stave Oak. The White Oak is in the family Fagaceae (Beech Family) and is the most common species of the oak trees. Other common oaks include the Post, Pin, and Chestnut Oaks. The White Oak is one of the more important timber trees in the eastern United States. White Oak can be planted or "farmed" successfully. However, most of the management is focused on reproduction and growth in natural stands. Currently, most of the timber production is concentrated on growing a few high-quality stems.

The tree can grow anywhere from 80 to 120 feet tall. White Oak leaves are 5 to 9 inches long and 4 inches wide and have into seven or nine rounded lobes. The twigs are reddish-gray with rounded reddish-brown buds. The White Oak has distinctive, pale ashy-gray bark. One important part of the White Oak is the acorns. The acorns are light brown with a cup like bowl and are about one inch long. White Oaks grow in a wide variety of habitats. They are found as far west as Ohio, to the southern parts of Alabama and as far north as Ontario. The White Oak excels in deep, well-drained upland soils. Compared to other trees, the White Oak grows very slowly. White Oak trees can grow for hundreds of years. Some have been known to live over 400 years.

The White Oak Tree is an important tree for the economy and for ecosystems. Economically, White Oak wood is strong, useful and very valuable. Some of the uses include for furniture, flooring, pallets, and interior finishing.

The White Oak is also an important and valuable part of our ecosystems. The tree provides food and shelter for many animals in the forests. When the tree is healthy, the acorns provide food for Gray Squirrels, Gray and Red foxes White-tailed Deer, and Black Bears. When the tree dies, it provides a niche for hundreds of insects, including ants and termites. With the increase of insects comes an excellent food source of birds.

Written fall 2000, as a service learning project for Dr. Gary Coté's Biology 102 class at Radford University. Copyright Pathways for Radford.