White Oak
Quercus alba
A large deciduous tree featuring a broad, rounded crown, grayish-white bark, and deeply lobed leaves with rounded tips.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Low to moderate watering needs once established, highly drought tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial large tree with a slow to medium growth rate, reaching mature heights of 50 to 80 feet and a similar or greater spread.
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water deeply during establishment periods, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Low to moderate watering needs once established, highly drought tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Soil
Prefers rich, moist, well-draining loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
Growth habit
Perennial large tree with a slow to medium growth rate, reaching mature heights of 50 to 80 feet and a similar or greater spread.
Bloom season
Spring; produces inconspicuous yellowish-green catkins.
Propagation
Propagated primarily from seeds (acorns) collected in autumn, planted directly or stratified over winter.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to oak wilt, powdery mildew, and insect pests such as leaf miners and galls. Ensure good air circulation and clear fallen leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Similar species
Post Oak (Quercus stellata), which features cross-shaped leaves with distinct squared lobes, and Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor), which has shallower, rounded leaf lobes and flaky bark.