Quercus alba
Description: The White Oak is a large shade tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. It exhibits intermediate shade tolerance, allowing it to thrive in a variety of forested environments. As a deciduous species, the White Oak sheds its leaves seasonally, contributing to the ecological diversity of its habitat.
Twig/Bark: The bark is characterized by a light ashy gray color, featuring loose, flaking strips. As the tree matures, the bark becomes shallowly furrowed, displaying flat ridges and irregular plates, which add to its distinctive appearance.
Leaf: The leaves are round-lobed, with 5 to 7 moderate to deep lobes per side. In the fall, the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red to purplish hues. The brown leaves persist on the tree until spring, providing visual interest during the winter months.
Flower/Fruit: The acorns measure between 15 and 25 mm in length. They are encased in a bowl-shaped cup that encloses approximately one-quarter to one-third of the nut, serving as a crucial food source for various wildlife species.
Habitat: White Oaks are commonly found in dry to mesic upland forests and woodlands, as well as bluffs, riparian forests, and low ridges in bottomland forests. Their adaptability to a range of soil and moisture conditions makes them an integral component of these ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and providing habitat for numerous organisms.