White Oak

Quercus alba)

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 100 feet
Spread: 50 to 80 feet
Shape: Spreading

Leaf color is gray to pink when new, dark-green in summer, and changes to brown or dark red in fall. Acorn is 1/2 to 3/4 inches long.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 5 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.3

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include specimen plant and shade tree.

Planting Notes:

Transplant as a small tree with roots balled and burlapped. A difficult species to transplant. For best results, plant only in the spring.
Salt tolerant.
Grows in many soil types, but prefers deep, moist, well-drained, acid soil and full sun.
Requires large area to grow.

Care:

Requires almost no maintenance.
Prune in winter or early spring; however, dead or damaged wood can be removed anytime.

Problems:

More resistant to diseases and insects than other oak trees.
Susceptible to oak scale.
Powdery mildew may occur in summer.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of QUERCUS ALBA:
No important cultivars.

Comments:

A majestic, wide-spreading specimen for spacious locations.
In areas where tree is native, a handsome, durable, long-lived tree.
Acorns from this tree provide food for many animals.
Suitable for bonsai.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications can be ordered from your local Extension office or directly from: Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne Street Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-601 "The Art of Bonsai"
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-610 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Shade Trees"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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