Quercus alba

White Oak

White oak (Quercus alba) develops a broad crown, sturdy limbs, and leaves with rounded lobes. Its long life and substantial eventual size make it a tree for landscapes where the canopy and roots can remain undisturbed.

Its structure combines broad growth and dense branching. Growth is slow. The leaves are shed for winter. Autumn foliage can bring brown, purple and red tones.

Choose a site in full sun or partial shade. Provide acidic, well-drained soil and maintain even moisture.

Size
• Height: 80-100 ft
• Width: 50-80 ft
Large old specimens may exceed the garden guide.

Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Best Uses
• Provide Shade
• Specimen
• Drought Tolerant Landscapes
• Home Orchard
• Pollinator garden

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

80-100 ft

Width

50-80 ft

Hardiness zones

3a–9b

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Green, Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Brown, Purple, Red

Fruit color

Brown

Attracts

Butterflies, Songbirds

Soil

Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Moist well-drained, Sandy

Landscape use

Drought Tolerant Landscapes, Home Orchard, Pollinator garden, Provide Shade, Specimen

Shape

Broad, Dense, Pyramidal, Rounded, Spreading

Bark

Exfoliating, Ridged

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes