White Oak Tree – A Complete Guide To What You NEED To Know

Of the more than 90 species of Oak trees that inhabit North America, the great White Oak Tree (Quercus alba) is just about the most majestic.  I don’t know who originally coined the phrase ‘the mighty oak’, but they must have been referring to White Oak as almost no other Oak species looks as grand. Also, if you’re looking to make a positive impact on the ecosystem, there is no other native plant that does more for nature than a White Oak tree.

Not only cutting a stately shape with it’s immense trunk and sprawling branches, but this single tree species feeds more wildlife in North America than just about any other species.  This fact alone would be an argument for it being nearly the single most important tree species on the continent.  But when we factor in the value of the lumber and firewood, it is almost assured that this is the single most important species in North America.

In this article:

• What is White Oak
• What are the benefits of White Oak
• Landscaping with White Oak trees
• How to grow and care for White Oak (growing conditions)
  • How to grow White Oak from seed / acorn germination
• Identification / Characteristics
• What Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases effect White Oak
• Where to buy White Oak
• Uses of White Oak

What is White Oak

The White Oak Tree is a deciduous hardwood tree native to Eastern North America.  Scientifically known as Quercus alba, it will grow 60-100′ in full sun with well draining, medium-moist soil.  White Oaks host over 200 insects, which in-turn feed birds, making this one of the most ecologically important tree species in North America. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Although not commonly used in residential landscaping, White Oak Trees will grow medium pace, adding roughly 1-2′ per year in height & 1-3 inches of d.b.h. per year.  Although they can provide some of the most stunning shapely specimens of a tree, they need to reach an age of approximately 100 years to accomplish this form.  None the less they can provide lots of shade while still benefiting local wildlife with proper pruning.

Lumber from White Oak has good rot resistance [12], is hard, and is a desirable wood for cabinet and furniture making.  Quartersawn white oak will also produce beautiful artistic flecks providing it with a one-of-a-kind appearance.

Native Range of White Oak

The native range of White Oak is roughly the Eastern half of North America.  Running from Central Minnesota, South to Texas and Louisiana, then East to the panhandle of Florida, North to Maine following the coast.

The wide native range of White Oak make it a common tree in deciduous hardwood forests throughout the Eastern United States. They can grow in a wide variety of conditions and are frequently encountered state forests and nature preserves.

Reference Table

Scientific Name	Quercus alba
Common Name(s)	White Oak, Stave Oak,
Native Range, USDA Zone	3b-9
Bloom Duration, Color	Yellow/green flower in Spring
Growth Rate	12-24″ per year (30-60 cm)
Height	60-100′, but even taller in the wild
Circumference	120-220″ (3-5 m)
Spacing / Spread	Will grow 60-100′ wide in the open.
Light Requirements	Full Sun. In wooded area, it needs overhead sun.
Soil Types	Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. pH Range 5-8
Moisture	Moist to medium, but must be well draining
Fauna Associations / Larval Hosts	To numerous to list. 200+ insect species. Mammals and birds.

What are the Benefits of White Oak

Beauty

White Oaks grown in the open have some of the most amazing shapes with their extraordinary thick trunks and wide spreading branches, while those that matured under a partial forest canopy can have tall, straight, and stately looking trunks/shapes.

Insect hosting

Without insects, it is likely that life on earth would collapse in short order. This is because the insects are the crucial link in the overall food chain for all life. [5] As a keystone plant, White Oak Trees host over 200 species of insect [4], which make it one of the single most valuable food sources for birds who consume the caterpillars throughout the year [6] [7] [8].

Here is the thing, most people associate insect damage as a negative thing. AKA, if something is eating my plant, it is harming my plant. And although there are over 200 species of insect that will eat White Oak, the fact is it isn’t that damaging to the tree and stimulates new growth. [9] So, by Oaks feeding the insects, that feed the birds, that feed….many other birds and mammals, the overall ecosystem is better balanced and healthy.

Food for mammals & birds

Deer prefer white oak acorns over red oak, as is commonly known amongst deer hunters.  But it doesn’t stop there – chipmunks, mice, raccoons, squirrels as well as many bird species will consume the acorns too.  Some of the birds who benefit from Oak acorn crop (mast) include Blue Jays, Crows, Red-Headed Woodpeckers as well as larger game birds such as turkey and quail. [1] [9] These benefits of growing White Oak over non-native species has been well documented. [10]

Lumber

White Oak lumber is commonly used in furniture and cabinet making.  It’s workability and nice complexion make it very desirable.  Additionally, White Oak has been used in barrel making for centuries, which also gave it a another common name, Stave Oak. [14]

White Oak helps to fight invasive species

There are not too many Native Plants that can directly help fight invasive species. Oak leaves break down more slowly than other tree species. And this helps keep Japanese Stilt Grass from germinating until later in the season, which in-turn helps other native species compete. There is also anecdotal evidence that Asian Jumping worms don’t like Oak leaves.

Landscaping with White Oak

Under the proper growing conditions, and given enough time White Oak can grow to become amazing landscaping trees. White Oak trees, when grown in the open will grow as wide as they are tall, and the mature height of a White Oak tree can reach 80-100′ tall. Over many decades this could result in a tree that has a 100′ diameter and height. So, it is not a tree for a small lot! It needs space to grow and thrive. [1]

The trunk of a fully mature White Oak can reach 6′ diameter (1.8 m). So, do not plant White Oaks close to sidewalks, as the trunk/roots can flare out and raise the sidewalk, street, or parking lot. These trees need their space! Of course, if you did plant it too close, it probably won’t raise the street in your lifetime!

If growing in a more shaded location, White Oaks can be still be added for landscaping. They must have overhead sunlight, and will grow upwards towards the light. So, if surrounded by other trees to shade it from the sides, a White Oak can grow with a much smaller diameter canopy. Please note though that if it receives light from the sides….it will grow wide. So, unless you have a wooded lot, you should plan on it growing with a very wide shape.

Regarding wooded lots

One of the more common uses of White Oaks in new construction is to not cut them down! For instance in Pennsylvania where I live, you often will see people build new houses on wooded lots. And the White Oak being a common tree, it is often present. Well, many homes opt to not cut down a mature White Oak as it will not only provide shade and interest, but provide beauty to the new home. There are numerous examples of this in my own neighborhood, where it is clear that the owner left a 80′ White Oak with a narrow canopy.

So, if you are in this situation of building on a wooded lot, carefully examine/identify the current trees and determine if there are any slow growing hardwoods that you should try to preserve, while still building your dream home.

White Oak Acorns / How to Grow White Oak from Seed

White Oak acorns are relatively straightforward to germinate and grow from seed. In fact, there is an excellent method for doing so that I will share with you. I will cover the following;

• How to gather acorns
• Testing acorn viability
• ‘Pre-germination’ of White Acorns
• Planting of White Acorns / over-wintering
• Tending to young seedlings

How to collect/harvest White Oak acorns

White Oak Acorns begin to mature in late Summer or early Fall. So, you need to be able to locate a White Oak tree and monitor the acorns, knowing that the size of the acorn crop (mast) will vary year to year. But monitor the acorn, and when they begin to turn brown and fall, you should make frequent visits to the tree. This is because squirrels and deer love to eat White Oak acorns, and you will be competing with them for the crop!

Also, acorns must not be allowed to dry out. They are living things, and if their moisture content falls below 30-50%, the acorn will not germinate.

*Note – sometimes acorns can be blown from a tree during strong storms while they are still immature. So, make sure the acorns are brown, and from this year. Green acorns are not fully formed/mature and will not germinate.

Once the acorns are brown and begin to fall naturally from the tree, you should begin harvesting them. You should assume that only 1/3 of the acorns you collect will result in a possible germination, as many acorns will be infested with weevils that eat the center, and others may have not fully developed and won’t germinate.

Testing acorn viability

There are two simple tests to determine if an acorn is viable:

1. Twist off the acorn cap and inspect the top for any holes. If a hole is found, discard the acorn as it has been infested by a weevil and is no longer viable
2. Dump all remaining acorns into a bucket of water and let them soak for 24 hours. Discard any acorn that floats after 24 hours.

All acorns that have no hole in the crown, and sink in water should be considered viable. For more background and info on the float test, as well as some summarized scientific studies, see our write up here.

Pre-germination of White Oak acorns (optional)

An optional step that can work for a final viability test of the acorns of the White Oak family is to germinate them in a moist sand/sphagnum peat moss mixture in the refrigerator. You see, White Oak acorns will germinate a small root in cold, moist conditions. In nature White Oak acorns will begin to germinate upon making contact with cool, moist soil.

To pre-germinate acorns, simply fill a shallow, wide Tupperware container with moist sand/sphagnum peat moss mixture. It should be moist enough that when you squeeze a handful, only a few drops of water come out.

Place acorns on their side in this mixture. Then place the tray in the refrigerator. Check it daily for acorns that germinate a small root/radical.

Planting White Acorns / Over-wintering

Now that we have viable young acorns, we can plant the seeds. Acorns should be planted 1-2″ deep, in-ground or in tall pots (8-14″ deep) filled with moist potting soil. The acorns will continue to grow for a period before temperatures get really cold. But, if in pots it can be risky to just set them outside.

White Oak acorns are alive, and even generate their own heat to maintain themselves. But – if the acorn is allowed to freeze solid in harsh Winter conditions, it will die. To avoid this you have three options.

• Plant the acorn in the ground, directly where we want the tree. And place a screen over-top to dissuade squirrels from digging it up.
• Plant the acorn in a pot, and bury the pot in the ground while insulating the top with some autumn leaves
• Plant the acorn in a pot, but over-winter it in an unheated garage or shed
• Leave the acorn in a moist sand/sphagnum peat moss mixture in the fridge for several months until Spring approaches, then plant in pots and place outside. Just be careful to not damage any root/radicals when removing from the sand.

I’m giving you this advice and instruction based on my own personal experience. I’ve winter-sowed thousands of seeds over the years, and while some tree seeds can freeze solid without issue, I’ve found that White Oak acorns will die if the pots they are in freeze solid in the dead of Winter (I’m in zone 6, for reference).

Some Oak species seem to be better at surviving total freezing temperatures, such as Pin Oak. But in years where I attempted to grow White Oak, Red Oak, Pin Oak, and some other Oak species….only the Pin Oaks had good germination. So, do yourself a favor, and overwinter those pots in an unheated garage or shed!

Tending to young seedlings

White Oaks upon germination will begin to form a taproot. It is therefore beneficial to plant in it’s final location relatively quickly in Spring. If you used a small, shallow pot, the tap-root may not form as well if planted in Autumn.

I like to plant my saplings before the onset of Summer, and have them protected with a tree-shelter. A white plastic tree shelter will protect the sapling from being eaten by deer and rabbits when it is very young, and encourage vertical growth. It also will let the tree grow faster, as the shelter acts as greenhouse.

As the tree ages, the shelter can be left on the tree trunk. This will help protect the trunk from buck rubbings, as well as subsequent browsing attempts.

White Oak Growth Rate / Establishment

The White Oak tree has a slow to medium growth rate, typically adding between 1-2′ of height per year (30-60 cm). You may have heard a saying about how you really plant trees for the next generation to enjoy. Well, that is quite true with White Oak.

Video Guide for the White Oak Tree / germinating acorns

Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases associated with White Oak

Pollinators & beneficial insects

The White Oak is host to nearly 100 species of moth, as well as another 140 species of leaf hopper, tree hopper, and beetles. Research has repeatedly shown that birds will forage more often and for longer in Oak trees than any other species, and that Oaks have more insect interactions than any other North American Native tree. [6] [7]

Pests

There are numerous insects that will feed on White Oak leaves. Although this may seem like ‘pesty’ behavior, it is natural and necessary for the insects and the birds that eat them. However, there are some invasive species that and other common unsightly pests that I will describe below, that you should consider taking action to eliminate.

Gypsy Moth

An invasive moth commonly known as the Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) can defoliate Oak trees. Single season-infestations are often not fatal to the tree. However repeated infestations can kill it. If you notice gypsy moths or their caterpillars, treatment may be necessary by a professional. [1] [2]

Scale

Another pest that can effect Oak Trees is known as Scale. These insects suck sap from the limbs, robbing them of nutrients. The primary symptom you will see initially is dieback at the end of the limbs. Further symptoms can be yellowing or wilting leaves. As the Scale progresses, you will see that a sap or honeydew that is secreted from the insects. Trees can be sprayed with insecticide when the Scale insects are active. [1] [2]

Oak Gall

There are hundreds of species of mites and insects that will lay eggs on an Oak Tree, and many of these result in large round growths known as ‘galls’. Oak galls are not dangerous to the tree and don’t require any treatment. But, they are not nice to look at. Thankfully their effect is only cosmetic. [13]

Deer and Rabbits

Deer and rabbits will feed on young saplings. Deer eating the new growth or whole sapling completely (sometimes), and rabbits eating young bark during large snowpack. [1]

I strongly recommend that you protect young White Oak trees with tree-shelters or cages. Liquid fence can help during the growing season, but twigs that protrude out of a shelter or cage should have deer fencing draped over them during the Winter.

Diseases that can effect White Oak

Like many trees, White Oak are susceptible to diseases. The best way to avoid infection is to keep your trees healthy! Trees that experience too much water or drought, or damage will be weakened and more likely to be infected.

Anthracnose

Symptoms of Anthracnose are small brown bumps/lesions on the underside of the leaves. You may also notice dieback of twigs in Winter. This will occur in sections on the tree. To treat it, prune and remove effected areas during dormancy. Then in Spring, spray a fungicide on new leaves in the same area as prevention.

Armillaria Rot Rot

The symptoms of Root Rot on White Oaks will be whole limb die-back and clusters of 1-6″ diameter mushrooms at the base. Under the bark you may notice spalting (black lines). This will occur in poorly draining soils and wet areas. Thus, it truly is important to assess your soil’s drainage before planting!

Trees infected with root rot generally cannot be saved. You should however contact an arborist to inspect the tree for safety, as you wouldn’t want it to fall over.

Bacterial Wet Wood

The symptoms of Bacterial Wet Wood is dark sap emanating from cracks within the bark. The hearwood of the tree will be discolored. This disease is caused by various bacteria that usually gain entry to the tree via open wounds or pruning during the active growing season, which allows insects to transmit the bacteria via their feet. If the tree is in healthy conditions, it should recover with normal care.

Ganoderma Root Rot or Inonotus Root Rot

Symptoms of root root are shelf-like mushrooms or fungi at the base of the tree. There are multiple fungi that cause root rot. You may also notice branch die back with smaller leaves that are yellow in color. Trees with this fungus cannot be saved, but should be professionally removed as they pose a hazard and may tip-over in high winds.

Leaf Spot

Symptoms of Oak Leaf Spot generally begin in mid to late Summer, starting as small brown spots occurring between veins. As the season progresses, the spots will grow to 3/8″ diameter and have a small yellow ring form around the outside.

Leaf Spot only has cosmetic effects on White Oak trees and does not require treatment. Trees that are stressed will have more noticeable effects. So, make sure your tree is in the proper growing conditions and has any necessary nutrients.

Oak Leaf Blister

Symptoms of Oak Leaf Blister begin as small spots 1/4″ to 1/2″ diameter (6-12 mm) on young leaves in late Spring. As the leaves grow, the spots turn into raised blisters.

Oak Leaf Blister is cosmetic in nature and doesn’t hurt the tree. No treatment is necessary.

Powdery Mildew

Like many flowers, Powdery Mildew can also effect White Oak trees. The disease will manifest itself as a white powdery like substance on the leaves. The effects of this disease are only cosmetic. It will not harm the tree. No treatment is necessary.

Oak Wilt

Although Oak Wilt primarily effects members of the Red Oak family, one should still be on the look out for symptoms in regards to White Oak. Leaf margins will begin to turn brown, primarily starting at the top of the tree. Leaves will then fall off while still green and be wilted. The disease will progress from the top to the bottom of the tree.

The disease will typically prove fatal within one year. Once a single tree is infected, it can spread between roots to other Oak Trees. Once positively diagnosed, effected material should be immediately removed, and an arborist consulted to treat any surrounding trees.

Oak Wilt is spread via insect, so once again I must repeat – only prune trees when dormant! That is the best prevention of Oak Wilt.

Where you can buy White Oak

Straight species White Oak trees aren’t typically sold in big-box garden centers. You can find bare root trees sometimes, as well as specialty tree nurseries. I recommend coldstreamfarm.net, as I’ve purchased several bare root trees and shrubs from them in the past, and have always been pleased with the quality of their plants. I have no affiliation with them – I’m just telling you my direct experience.

Uses of White Oak Tree

Garden Uses

White Oak can make for one of the most impressive displays of a tree. In the open they will grow as wide as they are tall, which in most cases will be 100′. So, if one has patience, or doesn’t mind planting trees for the next generation, White Oak can be an excellent landscaping choice for the future.

In addition to specimen trees, White Oaks have historically been used to line streets to make for gorgeous boulevard displays.

Lumber Uses

White Oak Lumber is widely used in furniture making, flooring, doors and trim. White Oak has a Janka hardness of approximately 1350 lbf. As the grain does a good job of preventing water ingress, White Oak is also used for making barrel staves (yes, the kind used in aging whiskey/bourbon) and shipbuilding. [12] [14]

Medicinal Uses

Over 60 uses of White Oak by Native Americans have been documented by 10 different tribes. Primarily, White Oak Bark is what held the medicinal benefits for Native Americans. The bark was used for a variety of ailments, from a disinfectant to dermatological aid, or an infusion used to treat pain. Lumber was also used to make various tools to aid with food preparation and other items. [15]

Read about more Native Plants here