Quercus alba aka White Oak

Taxonomy

Genus Quercus Family Fagaceae Order Fagales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Quercus alba, commonly known as the white oak, is a prominent hardwood native to eastern and central North America. This long-lived tree is found from Minnesota, Ontario, Quebec, and southern Maine, all the way down to northern Florida and eastern Texas. While it is called a white oak, its bark is typically a light grey color, rather than white. The name comes from the color of its finished wood. In the forest, the white oak can grow to a magnificent height, while in open areas, it develops into a massive tree with a broad crown and large branches extending at wide angles. The white oak is a large and vigorous deciduous tree that starts with a pyramidal shape when young and matures into a wider tree with a rounded crown. Its bark is greyish-white, and in spring, it produces inconspicuous yellow-green catkins before the foliage emerges. The leaves initially appear pink and later change to dark green, turning reddish-brown in the autumn. During this season, brown acorns also appear. Typically reaching heights of 80 to 100 feet at maturity, the white oak can have a massive canopy, with lower branches extending far out like a parallel to the ground. In a forest setting, these trees can grow much taller compared to those in open areas, which tend to be shorter and more compact. The Mingo Oak, the tallest recorded white oak, stood at 145 feet before it was felled in 1938. Interestingly, white oak trees can be as wide as they are tall, although those growing at higher altitudes may only grow into small shrubs.

Common names

White Oak, Stave Oak, Northern White Oak

How to care for White Oak

Difficulty

Caring for White Oak is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

White Oak should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

White Oak loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

White Oak requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Stave Oak is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

White Oak is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The White Oak is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

White Oak’s native range is Eastern N. America - Maine to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota.

More info:
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