Download 30. White Oak - Friess Lake School District

Common Name of Plant: White Oak
Scientific Name of Plant: Quercus Alba
Average Height of Plant: 60 -100 feet
Ask the Botanist
What are the leaves like?
Leaves are deeply divided into 5 to 9 rounded lobes. Leaves are light green above and much
paler below. Many leaves remain on the tree for most of the winter. They are alternate leaves.
They are about 5 to 9 inches long and about half as wide.
What type of flowers bloom on this plant? What do the seedpods or seeds look like?
The white oak produces a light brown acorn about 1 inch long with about ¼ enclosed in the
cap. Acorns germinate a few weeks after ripening and send down a long, deep tap root before
winter.
What is unusual about the stem or trunk?
Bark is pale gray and scaly, but is not deeply fissured.
How is this plant important to animals? Has it also been used by people?
White oaks provide food and shelter for many animals.
White oak produces one of the most useful woods for heavy construction. It is light brown,
hard, and durable. It is used for interior finish, furniture, railway ties, and fuel.
What location does this plant prefer?
The white oak is common on better soils in the southern half of the state.
Pictures
Whole Plant
Leaf
Better Homes & Gardens
Photos by Darrin Kimbler
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Botany 402 Image Collection
Buds
Flowers
Photos by Darrin Kimbler
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Botany 402 Image Collection
Seeds
Stem or Tree Bark
photo courtesy of University
Connecticut