White Oak Tree

White Oak - Quercus alba

White oak is one of the great native trees of the eastern United States, living for 300 years or more, growing wild across most of the East. In the fall, its deeply lobed and rounded green leaves change to a dark red to purplish brown. Few other trees can match the grace and stature of the white oak.

Plant Details - White Oak Tree (Quercus alba)

Family: Fagaceae

Spread: 50-80 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Flower Color: Yellow-green catkins

Wildlife Value: Acorns feed birds, deer, and turkeys; the leaves host many kinds of butterflies and moths

Landscape Uses and Maintenance

As this tree grows, it provides ample shade and canopy for wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Its flowers are not showy; they hang downwards as yellow-green catkins in spring. The white oak tree typically produces plenty of acorns, with heavy crops every few years.

Plant this tree in an area that gets full sun. Avoid planting it in a location with shade that will limit its growth. Give it enough space to grow and spread out as it matures. This tree will grow best in neutral to acidic loamy or sandy soil.

White Oak Tree for Sale: Siting and Planting

This plant ships bare root. Every white oak tree for sale we offer is dug from our Tennessee fields at 1-2 or 2-3 feet tall, and sold in quantities of 25 up to 1000. White oak grows a deep taproot early and doesn't like being moved later, so plant it young in its permanent spot, at least 50 feet from the house. Once it's settled, don't pile soil over its roots or dig trenches nearby; white oaks take that hard. Plant while dormant, at the depth it grew, and water weekly through the first summer.

Noteworthy Characteristics of the White Oak Tree

The white oak tree is a host plant for many butterfly and moth species, and birds nest in its branches. Its acorns ripen in one season, and wildlife often prefers them over the acorns of other oaks. White oaks begin bearing fruit around 20 years.

Planting & Growing Information

Ships: Ships Between November 15-29
Planting Zone: 3-9
Height at Maturity: 80-100 Feet
Water Needs: Moderate
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Bloom Season: April through May
Care: White oak trees thrive in acidic, well-drained soil; keep away from wet spots. Trim in late winter to clear dead or damaged branches.
Exposure: Full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade but prefer bright, open areas for optimal growth and development.
Plant Attributes: Lives 200+ years, Hosts multiple butterfly and moth species, Wildlife habitat & erosion control

For more detailed planting and care information, read our White Oak guide. You can also explore our trees collection to discover more trees for your landscape, wildlife habitat, and planting projects.