White Oak

White Oak

(Quercus alba)

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

▲ ▼ mature trees

▲ ▼ leaves

▲ ▼ leaves, lower one showing more broad and shallow lobing of some trees

▲ ▼ leaves, lower one showing fall coloration

▲ buds

▲ ▼ trunk and bark

Location on Missouri State University campus: north sides of Hill and Ellis halls

Quercus alba: White Oak

leaves alternate, deciduous, simple, obovate in shape, with shallow to deep, rounded lobes; dark green above and whitish underneath; 4-9" long and 2 as wide; some have very good deep red fall color
stems stout, brown to purple, sometimes with glaucous bloom
bark is tan to gray with scaly ridges, becoming blocky ridges with age
grows 50-80' tall in wide rounded habit in open areas, thin oblong shape in forested areas
acorn is ovoid to oblong, light, glossy brown, 1-2" long and 2 as wide, enclosed 1/4-1/3 in bumpy scaled cap
prefers full sun to part shade, moist, well-drained, deep, high organic matter soils, but fairly soil tolerant
slow growth rate
native to Missouri (and Springfield)
is tree featured on government documents, currency