Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Quercus alba

Quercus alba, commonly known as the white oak, is a large, long-lived deciduous tree in the beech family (Fagaceae) that is native to eastern and central North America. It typically grows to heights of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters), though exceptional specimens can exceed 100 feet (30 meters) tall with diameters up to 4 feet (1.2 meters), featuring a broad, rounded crown that provides substantial shade.^[1] The bark is light gray and scaly, becoming deeply furrowed with age, while the leaves are alternate, 5 to 9 inches (13 to 23 cm) long, with 5 to 9 rounded lobes that are dark green above and pale underneath, turning shades of red, brown, or purple in fall.^[2] Acorns, its primary reproductive structure, are oval, about 0.75 inches (2 cm) long, and mature in one season, covered partially by a warty-scaled cap; they serve as a vital food source for wildlife.^[3] Native to a wide range from southern Quebec and Maine westward to Minnesota and southern Ontario, and south to northern Florida and eastern Texas, Q. alba is absent from the highest elevations of the Appalachians and the coastal plains of Texas and Louisiana.^[3] It thrives in diverse habitats, preferring deep, moist, well-drained soils on north- and east-facing slopes, loams, and clay soils with moderate fertility and slight acidity, but it adapts to a variety of conditions including drier uplands and heavier soils, demonstrating good drought tolerance once established.^[1] Ecologically, it is intermediate in shade tolerance, often dominating mature forests in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, and supports over 180 species of wildlife through its acorns, which are produced in large crops every 4 to 10 years.^[3] The white oak holds significant economic and cultural value, prized for its strong, durable, rot-resistant wood used in furniture, flooring, barrels (especially for aging whiskey and wine), and shipbuilding historically.^[1] It is also planted ornamentally for its majestic form and fall color, serving as the state tree of Illinois, and contributes to forest ecosystems by providing habitat and stabilizing soils with its deep root system.^[2] While generally resilient, it can be susceptible to pests like the spongy moth and diseases such as cankers, though it shows resistance to oak wilt; as of 2025, it faces emerging threats from climate change and diseases, prompting conservation efforts including genomic research.^[1]^[4]^[5]

Taxonomy and Description

Taxonomy

Quercus alba, commonly known as the white oak, is classified within the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Fagales, family Fagaceae, genus Quercus, and species alba.^[6] This placement situates it among the hardwood trees of the beech family, characterized by their ecological dominance in temperate forests.^[7] The genus name Quercus derives from the Latin word for "oak," reflecting its ancient recognition in classical texts as a prominent tree species.^[8] The specific epithet alba means "white" in Latin, alluding to the pale color of the tree's inner bark and wood.^[9] Genetically, Q. alba is diploid with a chromosome number of 2n=24, consistent with other species in the genus.^[10] A haplotype-resolved, chromosome-scale genome assembly published in 2025 has illuminated genetic adaptations contributing to the species' exceptional longevity—often exceeding 500 years—and enhanced drought resistance, including genes involved in stress response and vascular development; it also reveals high intraspecific genetic diversity predating the last glaciation, with potential ecotypic variations across its range though no formal subspecies or varieties are recognized.^[11] No subspecies or varieties of Q. alba are currently recognized in standard taxonomic treatments.^[12] However, natural hybridization occurs with related white oak group species, such as Quercus bicolor (resulting in Q. × jackiana) and Quercus macrocarpa (resulting in Q. × bebbiana), which can influence local genetic diversity.^[13]

Morphology

Quercus alba is a deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of 18 to 24 meters (60 to 80 feet), though up to 30 meters (100 feet) on favorable sites, with a trunk diameter of 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) at maturity, featuring a broad, rounded crown that spreads 15 to 24 meters (50 to 80 feet).^[14]^[15] Young trees exhibit a more pyramidal shape, transitioning to an irregular, dense, spreading form in older specimens.^[15] The species is long-lived, with individuals commonly surviving 300 to 500 years and exceptional cases exceeding 600 years.^[16]^[17] The bark of Q. alba is light gray, fissured into scaly plates or irregular blocks that become more pronounced with age, often flaking to reveal smooth patches.^[14]^[15] The inner bark is reddish to orange in color, a distinguishing feature visible when the outer layers are cut or scratched.^[18]^[9] Leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptic to obovate, measuring 10 to 23 cm (4 to 9 inches) long and 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) wide, with 5 to 9 rounded lobes lacking bristles at the tips.^[15]^[19] The upper surface is dark green and glossy, while the lower surface is pale green and slightly pubescent or glaucous.^[14] In autumn, foliage turns shades of wine-red to purple.^[15] Quercus alba is monoecious, producing separate male and female flowers on the same tree. Male flowers form pendulous, yellowish-green catkins 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) long in clusters during mid-spring.^[14]^[15] Female flowers are small, reddish-green, and occur in clusters of 2 to 5 on short spikes arising from leaf axils.^[20]^[15] The fruit is an acorn 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 inch) long, ovoid, and light brown, maturing in a single season from September to November.^[15]^[14] The cup-shaped cap, covered in small, knobby scales, encloses about one-quarter to one-third of the nut.^[15] These acorns have a relatively sweet taste attributable to lower tannin content compared to red oak group species.^[7] The wood of Q. alba is ring-porous, with distinct earlywood pores and smaller latewood vessels.^[21] Sapwood is pale brown to white, while heartwood is light to medium brown, often with grayish tones.^[22] It features a straight grain, fine to medium texture, and a high density with a specific gravity of 0.68.^[14]^[21]

Chemistry

The chemistry of Quercus alba, commonly known as white oak, is characterized by a diverse array of secondary metabolites that contribute to its ecological adaptations, defense mechanisms, and material properties. These compounds, primarily polyphenols, terpenoids, and other phenolics, are distributed across its bark, leaves, wood, and acorns, serving roles in pathogen resistance, environmental stress response, and interspecies interactions. Research highlights the prominence of tannins and related phenolics, which not only impart durability to the wood but also influence palatability and soil dynamics. Tannins, a class of hydrolyzable and condensed polyphenols, are abundant in the bark of Q. alba, where concentrations in the inner bark range from 6% to 11% of dry weight, providing significant rot resistance due to their antimicrobial and astringent properties.^[23] In contrast, mature acorns exhibit lower tannin levels, typically 2-4% of dry weight, which reduces bitterness compared to those of red oak species and enhances their suitability as a food source after processing.^[7]^[24] This variation in tannin content underscores Q. alba's adaptation for wildlife attraction while minimizing toxicity. The leaves of Q. alba are rich in phenolics and flavonoids, including quercetin and ellagic acid, which function as antioxidants and provide ultraviolet (UV) protection by absorbing harmful radiation and scavenging reactive oxygen species.^[25] These compounds, present in glycosylated forms, contribute to the plant's resilience against oxidative stress from environmental factors like sunlight exposure.^[26] Volatile oils in Q. alba wood primarily consist of sesquiterpenes, such as β-caryophyllene, which imparts a woody, spicy aroma and is released during processes like barrel aging.^[27] These terpenoids, extracted via thermomechanical methods, enhance the sensory profile of oak-derived products and may deter certain pests through their bioactive volatility.^[28] Acorns of Q. alba offer a balanced nutritional profile, comprising approximately 40% carbohydrates (primarily starch), 4% protein, and fats (4 to 12% of dry weight, mostly unsaturated), making them a high-energy resource for wildlife and historical human diets after tannin leaching.^[7]^[29] Their lower tannin content relative to red oaks results in reduced toxicity, allowing faster processing and broader edibility.^[30]^[31] As allelochemicals, gallotannins in Q. alba tissues, particularly from leaf litter and roots, inhibit the growth of understory plants by disrupting seed germination and root elongation through oxidative stress and enzyme inhibition.^[32] This chemical interference helps maintain dominance in forest canopies by suppressing competing vegetation.^[33]

Distribution and Habitat

Native Range

Quercus alba, commonly known as white oak, is native to eastern and central North America, where it occupies a broad geographic expanse. Its range extends from southern Maine and extreme southern Quebec in the northeast, westward across southern Ontario and central Michigan to southeastern Minnesota and western Iowa, and southward to northern Florida, eastern Texas, and parts of eastern Kansas and Oklahoma. This distribution encompasses approximately 36 states in the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and parts of southern Quebec and Ontario in Canada.^[3]^[34]^[35] Within its native range, Q. alba occurs from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1,370 meters (4,500 feet) in the southern Appalachian Mountains, where it may grow as a shrub at higher altitudes, though it is typically absent from the highest elevations in the northern Appalachians and the lower Mississippi Delta. The species' historical distribution has undergone significant changes since the end of the last glacial period around 11,000 years ago, during which it expanded northward from southern refugia in response to post-glacial warming and climatic shifts.^[36]^[34]^[37] European settlement beginning in the 1600s led to substantial reductions in Q. alba's extent and abundance through widespread deforestation, agricultural expansion, and intensive logging, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when vast areas of eastern forests were cleared or clear-cut. Outside its native range, Q. alba has been introduced to Europe since 1724, with plantings in countries such as the United Kingdom and France primarily for timber production and as an ornamental tree. It has also been established in certain parts of Asia since the 1800s for forestry and timber purposes.^[38]^[36]^[39]

Habitat Preferences

Quercus alba thrives in a variety of soil types but prefers deep, well-drained loamy soils such as silty loam, clay loam, and silty clay loam, which support optimal growth and nutrient uptake. It tolerates a range of conditions including clay, sand, and rocky soils, with a soil pH tolerance of 5.5 to 8.0, particularly on disturbed sites. In upland areas, its deep root system allows it to access moisture effectively, contributing to its resilience in moderately fertile environments.^[7]^[1] The species is adapted to temperate climates across USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, where mean annual temperatures range from about 45°F (7°C) in northern regions to 70°F (21°C) in southern areas. It flourishes with annual precipitation between 30 and 80 inches (762–2,032 mm), demonstrating drought tolerance once established, though it benefits from consistent moisture during early growth stages.^[7]^[40]^[41] Quercus alba requires full sun for mature trees, with seedlings needing at least 35% full sunlight for successful establishment, rendering it shade-intolerant under dense canopies. While adult trees prefer open, sunny exposures, young plants can tolerate partial shade initially.^[7] It dominates oak-hickory forests in the eastern United States and occurs in mixed communities with species such as sugar maple (Acer saccharum), hickories (Carya spp.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), and pines (Pinus spp.), often on upland sites within beech-maple or pine-oak-heath associations.^[7]^[42] Key adaptations include thick, scaly bark that provides moderate fire resistance, allowing survival and vigorous sprouting after low- to moderate-severity fires or disturbances. Its deep roots enhance drought tolerance in well-drained uplands, and wind-dispersed pollen facilitates reproduction in open woodland settings.^[7]^[43]^[44]

Ecology and Reproduction

Ecological Interactions

Quercus alba serves as a keystone species in eastern North American forests, profoundly influencing ecosystem dynamics through its interactions with wildlife, microbes, and environmental processes. Its acorns are a cornerstone of the food web, providing a highly nutritious mast crop that supports a diverse array of vertebrates, including fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and birds such as blue jays, ruffed grouse, and northern bobwhites. These acorns, low in tannins and rich in carbohydrates, can constitute up to 50% of the annual diet for species like deer and turkeys during abundant mast years, with production varying widely from 0 to over 200,000 acorns per acre depending on environmental conditions.^[7]^[45]^[46] Beyond vertebrates, Quercus alba sustains exceptional invertebrate biodiversity, hosting over 500 species of Lepidoptera caterpillars that feed on its foliage, buds, and acorns, along with numerous other insects, which in turn form a critical base for higher trophic levels including insectivorous birds and mammals. This support for over 500 insect species underscores its role in maintaining food chain stability and overall forest health. The tree's broad crown and flaky bark further provide nesting cavities and shelter for birds like woodpeckers and cerulean warblers, as well as mammals such as raccoons and bats, fostering habitat complexity.^[47]^[48]^[49] Symbiotically, Quercus alba forms ectomycorrhizal associations with a diverse array of fungi, including species like Pisolithus tinctorius, which enhance the tree's nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, from nutrient-poor soils, while the fungi receive carbohydrates in return. Saplings additionally associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, promoting early establishment and resilience in varied forest understories. These mutualisms contribute to soil health and nutrient cycling, benefiting the broader plant community.^[50]^[51] Pollination in Quercus alba is primarily anemophilous, with wind dispersing pollen up to 656 feet during its March-to-June flowering period, though its catkins secondarily attract bees that forage on the abundant pollen for provisioning their nests. This dual dynamic supports not only reproduction but also early-season pollinator nutrition.^[7]^[52] In terms of environmental impacts, mature Quercus alba trees sequester substantial carbon, storing 20-30 tons of CO2 equivalent in their biomass over lifetimes exceeding 200 years, with some individuals reaching 500-600 years. As a dominant species in forest succession, it stabilizes regenerating stands, enhances soil carbon storage through extensive roots, and mitigates climate change by maintaining long-term carbon sinks in oak-hickory ecosystems. Recent studies as of 2024 indicate increasing drought stress may reduce acorn yields and alter mast-seeding cycles in southern ranges.^[49]^[7]^[53]^[54]

Reproduction and Growth

Quercus alba exhibits a monoecious flowering strategy, with male and female flowers appearing on the same tree in spring. Flowering typically occurs from late March to early June, depending on latitude and weather conditions, with male catkins emerging as yellow-green structures 2 to 4 inches long and female flowers as small, reddish-green spikes.^[7] The species displays dichogamy, where male flowers mature and release pollen 1 to 3 days before female flowers become receptive, reducing the likelihood of self-pollination and promoting cross-pollination by wind.^[55] This temporal separation ensures efficient gene flow within populations.^[56] Seed production in Quercus alba is characterized by mast-seeding events, where populations synchronously produce large acorn crops every 3 to 10 years, alternating with years of low output to overwhelm seed predators and optimize resource allocation.^[7] Acorns reach maturity in one growing season, with viable seeds exhibiting 50 to 99% germination capacity immediately after dispersal, as white oak acorns lack dormancy and do not require cold stratification unlike red oak species.^[3] Fresh acorns maintain high viability above 90%, but this declines rapidly to below 10% after six months due to desiccation and fungal infection.^[7] Germination is hypogeal, occurring in fall or early spring under leaf litter cover, with the radicle emerging soon after planting.^[3] Seed dispersal primarily occurs via gravity, with acorns falling short distances from the parent tree, supplemented by animal vectors such as rodents and birds that transport them farther. Rodents, including gray squirrels, primarily consume white oak acorns due to their rapid germination but may cache a portion after excising the embryo to prevent sprouting, with forgotten caches contributing to seedling establishment.^[7] Vegetative regeneration is robust, with sprouts emerging from the root collar following disturbance like fire or cutting, particularly in trees under 5 inches in diameter where sprouting success exceeds 80%.^[7] This resprouting ability enhances persistence in fire-prone habitats.^[57] Growth in Quercus alba is slow, with seedlings adding approximately 30 cm in height annually during early years, accelerating slightly in open conditions. Trees reach reproductive maturity between 20 and 50 years, with peak acorn production occurring from 50 to 80 years in mature stands.^[3] Full canopy development and height of 24 to 30 meters are attained after 100 to 200 years, supported by longevity up to 600 years, facilitated by compartmentalized decay resistance that limits rot spread in heartwood.^[7] This extended lifespan contributes to stable forest dynamics.^[1]

Cultivation and Uses

Cultivation

Quercus alba is primarily propagated from seeds, which should be sown fresh in the fall to mimic natural conditions, as acorns are recalcitrant and lose viability quickly if stored dry.^[7] Acorns are sown fresh in fall to mimic natural germination, as they have no dormancy. For spring planting, store moist at cool temperatures (1–5°C) for 30–90 days to maintain viability, combined with hot water soaking to deter weevil infestation if needed.^[34] Vegetative propagation via cuttings is rare and challenging due to low rooting success rates, typically under 20% even with mist systems and hormones, though ongoing research explores it for select clones.^[58] Grafting onto rootstocks of related Quercus species is used for hybrid production to enhance traits like disease resistance, but it demands skilled techniques to ensure compatibility.^[59] Site selection for Quercus alba emphasizes full sun exposure of at least 6–8 hours daily to promote vigorous growth and acorn production, paired with well-drained, loamy soils that are slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) and moist but not waterlogged.^[15] The tree tolerates a range of soil textures including clay and sand, provided drainage is adequate to prevent root rot, and it adapts to partial shade in its native understory-like settings.^[60] For timber production, plant at spacings of 10–15 meters to allow canopy development and reduce competition, while urban or landscape sites require ample room away from structures due to the expansive root system.^[61] Once established, Quercus alba requires minimal maintenance, with irrigation needed only during the first 2–3 years to support root development in dry periods, after which its drought tolerance suffices in most climates.^[62] Pruning should focus on young trees to establish a strong central leader and remove competing branches, ideally during the dormant season to minimize pest entry and oak wilt risk; avoid summer pruning.^[63] Regular monitoring for pests such as scales, borers, and gypsy moths is essential, with integrated management like systemic insecticides applied at planting for high-risk areas.^[64] In landscapes, Quercus alba serves as an excellent shade tree for large properties, offering broad canopies up to 25 meters wide and vibrant wine-red fall foliage that enhances aesthetic appeal in parks and estates.^[62] Select cultivars like 'Crimson Spire™', a narrow hybrid with Quercus robur reaching 15 meters tall but only 4.5 meters wide, suit urban streets or confined spaces where vertical accent is desired without sacrificing fall color.^[65] Another option, 'Streetspire®', provides similar columnar form for boulevard planting, emphasizing mildew resistance and compact growth.^[62] Cultivating Quercus alba presents challenges, including its slow growth rate of approximately 0.3–0.6 meters per year, often taking 10–20 years to reach 5 meters in height, which limits its use in impatient landscaping schemes. Ongoing initiatives like the White Oak Initiative (as of 2025) support sustainable propagation and harvesting to address supply concerns for timber and barrels.^[66] Transplanting is particularly difficult beyond the nursery stage due to the deep taproot system, necessitating root-pruned container stock or balled-and-burlapped small trees to achieve over 50% survival in urban settings.^[15] Additionally, sensitivity to soil compaction and construction disturbance can stunt development or cause decline in non-ideal sites.^[34]

Economic and Cultural Uses

The acorns of Quercus alba, known as white oak, have been a traditional food source for Native American communities, who leached them to remove tannins and ground the nuts into flour for breads and porridges, providing a nutrient-dense staple similar to wheat flour.^[67] In modern foraging practices, white oak acorns are preferred due to their relatively low tannin content compared to red oak species, allowing for easier processing into edible flour after cold-water leaching, which takes 7-14 days to yield a light-colored, flavorful product.^[68]^[69] White oak wood is prized for its tight grain, strength, and rot resistance, making it ideal for high-end furniture, hardwood flooring, and cabinetry.^[70] Historically, it played a key role in shipbuilding, with the USS Constitution incorporating substantial amounts of white oak timber for its frame and planking due to the wood's durability in marine environments.^[71] As of spring 2025, stumpage prices for white oak sawtimber range from $575 to $900 per 1,000 board feet in the Midwest and Appalachia, depending on quality and location; sawn lumber prices are higher, typically $5–$8 per board foot.^[72] In the barrel-making industry, white oak's high tannin content and tight grain prevent leakage while imparting vanilla, coconut, and spice flavors to aged spirits and wines during maturation; most U.S. oak barrels, particularly for bourbon, are crafted from white oak (Quercus alba), as it is the primary species used due to legal requirements for new charred oak barrels.^[73]^[74] Beyond these primary uses, white oak is employed in crafting musical instruments, such as the backs and sides of acoustic guitars, where its density contributes to resonant tone.^[75] Historically, white oak bark was brewed into a tea by Native Americans and European settlers as an astringent remedy for diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues, leveraging its tannin-based antimicrobial properties.^[76] Economically, white oak timber supports a significant portion of the U.S. hardwood industry; as of 2022, its distilling applications generated an estimated $8 billion annual impact in Kentucky, and the broader bourbon industry reached $9 billion by 2025, highlighting the species' role in regional economies.^[77] Sustainable harvesting guidelines, such as those from the University of Kentucky's Landowners Guide, emphasize selective logging to maintain stand health, avoiding overharvest of mature trees and promoting regeneration through uneven-aged management to ensure long-term viability.^[49]

Conservation and Threats

Conservation Status

Quercus alba is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its widespread distribution and stable global population across eastern North America. The species is ranked G5 (globally secure) by NatureServe.^[35] The species is tracked in various state natural heritage programs, where it is generally ranked as secure (S5), though some states note it as imperiled in specific locales due to habitat fragmentation.^[35] Overall population trends are stable, with the species comprising a significant portion of eastern U.S. forests, but regional declines have been observed in the Midwest owing to historical agricultural conversion.^[78] Old-growth forests in the region, including those dominated by Q. alba, now constitute less than 1% of their pre-settlement extent.^[79] The species has no special federal legal status but occurs in national forests managed under general guidelines for oak-hickory ecosystems.^[7] Recovery efforts encompass reforestation initiatives, such as those coordinated by the White Oak Initiative, which focus on regeneration, genetic improvement, and planting programs across the species' range.^[66] Climate projections indicate a potential northward range shift for Q. alba by 2100 under warming scenarios, with suitable habitat expanding in the Northeast while contracting in the southern portion of its current range.^[80]

Major Threats

Quercus alba populations face significant threats from insect pests, particularly the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), which causes severe defoliation leading to reduced growth and increased mortality. Outbreaks can result in up to 50% mortality of white oak stems over multiple years of defoliation, exacerbating stress in already weakened trees.^[81]^[82] Diseases pose additional risks, including oak wilt caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, which clogs vascular tissues and can kill infected trees, though white oaks exhibit greater resistance than red oaks, often surviving several years post-infection with mortality rates lower than 50% during outbreaks. Anthracnose, induced by Apiognomonia errabunda (formerly Discula quercina), results in leaf blight and premature defoliation, particularly affecting lower branches and reducing photosynthetic capacity in susceptible individuals like Q. alba. Root rot from Phytophthora species, such as P. cinnamomi, contributes to decline by damaging root systems, especially under wet soil conditions, leading to crown thinning and tree death.^[83]^[84]^[85] Human activities have dramatically impacted Q. alba through extensive habitat loss, with historical forest clearing in the eastern United States for agriculture, urbanization, and logging. Fire suppression practices further disadvantage white oaks by allowing shade-tolerant competitors, such as red maple (Acer rubrum), to proliferate and outcompete oak regeneration in the understory.^[38] Climate change intensifies these pressures by increasing drought stress, which limits water availability and heightens vulnerability to pests and diseases, as evidenced by reduced growth rates in Q. alba during prolonged dry periods. Altered precipitation patterns and warming temperatures also disrupt mast production cycles, potentially desynchronizing acorn availability with wildlife needs and affecting long-term population dynamics.^[78] Invasive species compound regeneration challenges, as non-native shrubs like Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) compete for resources and alter microhabitats, reducing white oak seedling survival rates in invaded areas.^[86]

Cultural Significance

Symbolism and History

The white oak (Quercus alba) has long symbolized strength, endurance, and longevity in various cultural traditions, reflecting its robust growth and impressive lifespan of up to 600 years.^[87] This symbolism is encapsulated in the English proverb "mighty oaks from little acorns grow," which illustrates the potential for greatness from humble beginnings and has been associated with oaks, including the white oak, since at least the 14th century. In emblematic representations, the tree's deep roots and resilient wood evoke stability and perseverance, qualities admired in folklore across Europe and North America where white oaks were prominent.^[88] In the United States, the white oak holds official recognition as the state tree of Illinois (designated in 1973), Connecticut (1947), and Maryland (1941), underscoring its embodiment of regional identity and natural heritage.^[89]^[90] These designations highlight its role in state emblems and symbols of regional strength and endurance.^[91] A pivotal historical event tied to this symbolism occurred in 1687, when Connecticut colonists hid their royal charter inside a massive white oak known as the Charter Oak in Hartford to evade seizure by English authorities under King James II, preserving colonial autonomy and cementing the tree's legacy as a defender of liberty.^[92]^[93] Among Indigenous peoples, particularly Algonquian-speaking groups in the eastern woodlands, the white oak held sacred status for its medicinal properties and as a food source. Tribes such as the Lenape and others processed white oak acorns into flour for sustenance, viewing the tree as a provider of life and a symbol of enduring wisdom in creation stories.^[94]^[95] In American literature, the white oak features prominently in Henry David Thoreau's writings, where it represents the untamed essence of the New England wilderness; Thoreau observed and documented these trees in Concord, Massachusetts, using them to evoke themes of natural resilience and introspection in works like Walden.^[96]^[97]

Notable Specimens

One of the most renowned specimens of Quercus alba was the Wye Oak in Talbot County, Maryland, which served as the state's official tree from 1941 until its demise. Recognized as the largest white oak in the United States, it reached a height of 96 feet with a trunk circumference of 31 feet 10 inches and a crown spread of 119 feet.^[98] Estimated to be over 450 years old at the time of its fall, the tree was toppled by a severe thunderstorm on June 6, 2002.^[99] In the aftermath, acorns from the Wye Oak were used to propagate clones, which have been planted across Maryland and beyond to preserve its genetic legacy.^[100] The Mingo Oak in Mingo County, West Virginia, held the distinction of being the oldest and largest living Quercus alba specimen until its death in 1938. This massive tree stood 145 feet tall, with a diameter of over 8 feet at breast height (circumference of 30 feet 9 inches) and an estimated age of 577 years, having germinated around 1361.^[101] Its trunk yielded approximately 15,000 board feet of lumber and weighed an estimated 55 tons when felled, underscoring its exceptional volume and structural scale.^[102] In Basking Ridge, New Jersey, the historic white oak—often called the "Holy Oak"—was another exceptional example, estimated at over 600 years old and potentially the oldest verified Quercus alba in the world at the time of its decline. Measuring 97 feet tall, it served as a landmark near the Presbyterian Church and endured for centuries before succumbing to old age and disease, leading to its removal in 2017.^[103] Dendrochronological analysis supported its longevity, highlighting the species' capacity to thrive in temperate eastern North American conditions.^[104] The Avery Oak in Dedham, Massachusetts, represents a historically significant specimen verified through dendrochronology, which confirmed it had reached maturity prior to the town's founding in 1636. This places its age at over 350 years when a thunderstorm felled it in 1973, with a trunk girth of 16 feet 6 inches at 6 feet above ground.^[105] Its wood was later repurposed into historical artifacts, including a gavel for the Dedham Historical Society.^[106] A former national champion white oak in Brunswick County, Virginia, held recognition for size until it fell in a storm in July 2025, with a circumference of 28 feet 1 inch, height of 86 feet, and crown spread of 113 feet (measured in 2022).^[107] As of November 2025, the national champion status is under review following the fall; a new state champion in Virginia measures 279 inches in circumference, 74 feet in height, and 108 feet in crown spread.^[108] This tree exemplifies the species' potential for immense volume, contributing over 1,000 cubic feet in estimated timber capacity.

References

[1]
[PDF] WHITE OAK - USDA Plants Database
It is a large, stately tree that grows up to over 100 feet tall, and 38 to 50 inches in diameter, with a round to wide spreading irregular crown.
[2]
Quercus alba - Plant Finder - Missouri Botanical Garden
Quercus alba, commonly called white oak, is a large deciduous Missouri native tree of the white oak group. It typically occurs in dry upland slopes and ledges.
[3]
Quercus alba L - Southern Research Station - USDA
White oak (Quercus alba) is an outstanding tree among all trees and is widespread across eastern North America. The most important lumber tree of the white oak ...
[4]
Quercus alba L. - USDA Plants Database
white oak. Classification. Kingdom. Plantae - Plants. Subkingdom. Tracheobionta - Vascular plants. Superdivision. Spermatophyta - Seed plants. Division.
[5]
Quercus alba - USDA Forest Service
White oak acorns have been described variously as sweet and edible [131] and as slightly bitter [43].
[6]
AZ/NM Node - Quercus alba - SEINet
Etymology: Quercus is the Latin name for oak. Alba comes from the Latin word for white. Author: The Morton Arboretum. Vascular plants of NE US and adjacent ...
[7]
White Oak, Quercus alba L. - Friends of the Wildflower Garden
Names: The genus name, Quercus, is the Latin word for Oak. The species, alba, means white and refers to the color of the inner bark. The author name for the ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[8]
CHROMOSOME NUMBERS IN QUERCUS - jstor
cerris and found twenty-four chromosomes. Friesner, in 1930, published the chromosome number in ten species of Quercus: Q. alba, Q. macrocarpa, Q. Prinus,Q ...
[9]
A haplotype‐resolved reference genome of Quercus alba sheds ...
Feb 11, 2025 · We report the first haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale genome assembly of Q. alba and conduct comparative analyses of genome structure and gene ...
[10]
Quercus alba - FNA - Flora of North America
Nov 5, 2020 · Numerous hybrids between Quercus alba and other species of white oak have been reported, and some have been named. J. W. Hardin (1975) ...Missing: subspecies varieties<|control11|><|separator|>
[11]
Quercus alba (eastern white oak) - Go Botany - Native Plant Trust
Eastern white oak, also called stave oak, is a slow-growing, long-lived tree with simple leaves, one per node, and dry fruit. It has ridged bark and no spines.<|control11|><|separator|>
[12]
ENH-699/ST541: Quercus alba: White Oak - University of Florida
Description ; Height: 60 to 100 feet ; Spread: 50 to 80 feet ; Crown uniformity: irregular ; Crown shape: pyramidal, round ; Crown density: moderate.
[13]
Quercus alba - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
The white oak is a large slow growing deciduous, hardwood tree in the beach (Fagaceae) family and can reach heights of 135 feet with an 80-foot spread.
[14]
White Oak | Natural Resources - Iowa State University
Apr 1, 2019 · White oak leaves are simple and arranged alternately on twigs. They are 7 to 9 lobed, 5 to 9 inches long with short petioles. The lobes are ...Missing: morphology | Show results with:morphology
[15]
Quercus alba (White Oak) Fagaceae Family | Lake Forest College
Life span: While the white oak grows extremely slowly, individuals can live for five hundred to six hundred years (especially in deep, moist but well ...
[16]
[PDF] Field Guide to Native Oak Species of Eastern North America
Quercus alba Linnaeus. White oak eastern white oak, stave oak, forked-leaf white oak. Page 17. - 9 - may grow as a shrub at 4,500 feet (1,372 m) elevation in ...
[17]
Quercus alba - white oak - Virginia Tech Dendrology Fact Sheet
Leaf: Alternate, simple, oblong to ovate in shape, 4 to 7 inches long; 7 to 10 rounded, finger-like lobes, sinus depth varies from deep to shallow, apex is ...Missing: morphology | Show results with:morphology
[18]
2011 White Oak (Quercus Alba) - Virginia Native Plant Society
Derivation of names, relationships. xThe genus name Quercus is the ancient Latin name for oak; alba means “white” and refers to the pale bark, wood, and ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[19]
[PDF] Wood Identification for Hardwood and Softwood Species Native to ...
Average specific gravity: 0.68. Heartwood color: Light to dark brown to grayish brown. Pore Distribution: Ring-porous. Earlywood: Up to 4 rows of large pores.
[20]
Oak, White | TreeBrowser - Utah State University Extension
Wood: Very important; sapwood white to light brown; heartwood gray-brown; growth rings very distinct; ring-porous; rays visible to naked eye; pores normally ...
[21]
Quercus Alba (U. S. P.)—White Oak. | Henriette's Herbal Homepage
Prof. Trimble (loc. cit.) found the dried inner bark of white oak, collected in March, to contain 6.96 per cent of tannin, while a ...
[22]
(PDF) Tannin content in acorns (Quercus spp.) from Poland
Aug 7, 2025 · Studies of acorns from Quercus robur and Quercus petraea in Poland found tannin contents ranging from 2.4% to 5.2% of dry matter [181] . This ...
[23]
Quercus Alba - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Typical polyphenols in oak leaves decoctions include catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, naringin, naringenin, and ellagic acid (Rivas-Arreola et al., 2010; Gamboa ...
[24]
Antioxidants in Oak (Quercus sp.): Potential Application to Reduce ...
Apr 2, 2023 · Oak extracts contain various antioxidant compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to their antioxidative ...
[25]
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/quercus-alba
[26]
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10135015/
[27]
Properties of acorns - Botanical-online
Sweet acorns are an energetic and nutritious food, which mainly provides carbohydrates (40%), fats (24%, mostly monounsaturated), proteins (6%) and fiber.
[28]
Managing Hardwood Stands for Acorn Production
Additionally, red oak acorns have higher tannic acid content, resulting in a bitter taste compared to white oaks, which have lower levels of tannins.
[29]
[PDF] B O The Important Distinctions - Maine.gov
W O Quercus alba L. White oak wood is strong, heavy, hard and ... They contain less tannin than red oak acorns and are preferred by wildlife.<|separator|>
[30]
Changes in white oak (Quercus alba) phytochemistry in response to ...
Apr 25, 2022 · During the emergence, total tannins and condensed tannins increased in foliar tissue, while simultaneously decreasing in root tissue compared to the prior and ...Missing: allelopathy gallotannins understory inhibition
[31]
Allelopathy and Allelochemicals in Grasslands and Forests - MDPI
Mar 13, 2023 · Plants can produce and release allelochemicals to interfere with the establishment and growth of conspecific and interspecific plants.
[32]
Quercus alba (White oak) | Native Plants of North America
Mar 19, 2021 · Quercus alba, or White Oak, is a long-lived shade tree growing to 100 feet with a rounded crown, light gray bark, and lobed leaves. It is a ...
[33]
Quercus alba | NatureServe Explorer
White Oak - Natureserve Global Rank: G5: Quercus alba, commonly known as White Oak, is a widespread tree occurring throughout much of eastern North America.
[34]
Quercus alba - Oaks of the world
Range, Eastern North America; 0 to 1600 m; introduced in Europe en 1724; ; Growth habit, reaches 25 m high, but only 15 m in Europe; spreading crown; at high ...Missing: Asia | Show results with:Asia
[35]
[PDF] Influence of late Quaternary climate change on present patterns of ...
Abstract. Phylogeography and ecological niche models (ENMs) suggest that late Quaternary glacial cycles have played a prominent role in shaping present ...
[36]
Where Has All the White Oak Gone? | BioScience - Oxford Academic
Oct 1, 2003 · To better understand the historical changes in white oak abundance in eastern forests, it is necessary to consider the distribution and ...
[37]
t7 Oak Pollen | Thermo Fisher Scientific
The predominant species of the white oak group found in North America is Q. alba which is now also found in Europe, and certain parts of Asia and Africa.Allergen · Clinical Relevance · Molecular Aspects
[38]
Quercus alba | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Common name: (Eastern) White Oak. Pronunciation: kwer-KUS AL-ba. Family: Fagaceae. Genus: Quercus. Type: Broadleaf. Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: No.
[39]
[PDF] Quercus alba White Oak - Environmental Horticulture
White Oak has a stately silhouette all year long. It is one of the best-looking Oaks in the winter due to the light grey, platey bark and open crown. The ...Missing: inner | Show results with:inner<|control11|><|separator|>
[40]
Southern Dry Forest - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Oaks are the dominant species in this upland dry forest community. White oak (Quercus alba) and black oak (Quercus velutina) are dominant.
[41]
[PDF] The Drought Response of Eastern US Oaks in the Context of Their ...
Jan 26, 2022 · are widely viewed as being tolerant of both fire and drought. (Abrams ... White oaks include Quercus alba and Quercus stellata; red oaks include ...
[42]
[PDF] Chapter 41 - Oak Cover Type - Wisconsin DNR
Oaks have many fire-resistant adaptations. Mature white oaks tend to be more resistant than mature red oaks due to differences in bark characteristics and ...
[43]
Trees & Plants for Wildlife: White Oak (Quercus alba) - Mossy Oak
Feb 9, 2022 · Size: Mature Height 60'-100' · Wildlife Value: Excellent, Acorns eaten by squirrel, deer, wild turkey, quail, ducks, and raccoon · Acorn Maturity ...
[44]
Managing Oaks for Acorn Production to Benefit Wildlife in Missouri
Sep 27, 2017 · Research has shown that among white oaks, only about 30 percent of large, healthy trees produced any acorns even during years of good production ...
[45]
The White Oak - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
Apr 1, 2012 · According to Douglas Tallamay in his book Bringing Nature Home, oaks support up to 534 Lepidoptera species and counting.
[46]
Species Profile: White Oak | Everyday Environment | Illinois Extension
Oct 23, 2020 · An estimated 500 to 2,300 species rely upon the oak tree, including birds, such as turkeys, woodpeckers and thrushes; mammals, such as black ...
[47]
[PDF] UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF WHITE OAK
In addition, white oak trees have tremendous potential to help ad- dress climate change by sequestering carbon in extensive root sys- tems and through long- ...Missing: interactions symbiosis
[48]
[PDF] Diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Quercus alba in ...
Jul 5, 2018 · White oak is recognized for its ability to form symbiotic associations with a wide range of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. Sequencing of the ...
[49]
Soil moisture and water redistribution patterns in white oak (Quercus ...
Dec 15, 2024 · In this study, we determined the sources of water used by mature white oak trees and saplings in three qualitatively different sites within a remnant oak ...
[50]
The Top 6 Native Trees For Bee Populations
Jan 23, 2020 · While most trees pollinate by wind, the black cherry is one of ... Red oak (Quercus falcata), white oak (Quercus alba), and scarlet oak ...
[51]
Backyard Climate Solutions - Arnold Arboretum - Harvard University
Feb 23, 2021 · Plant tissue contains about 45 to 50 percent carbon, so dividing total biomass in half is a good approximation of the carbon storage in the ...
[52]
[PDF] Tree Gender & Sexual Reproduction Strategies - Bugwoodcloud.org
For example, freezing Spring temperatures can damage white oak. (Quercus alba) ... One method seen in trees to minimize self-pollination is “dichogamy.
[53]
[PDF] Phenology, dichogamy, and floral synchronization in a northern red ...
Dichogamy was present in the orchard, with male flowers of a clone emerging from 1.4 to 3.0 d sooner than its female flowers. Mean dichogamy values for ...
[54]
[PDF] DO RED AND WHITE OAKS EXHIBIT DIFFERENT DISPERSAL ...
The ultimate basis of the caching preferences of rodents, and the oak dispersal syndrome: tannins, insects, and seed germination. American Zoologist 41: 840 ...
[55]
[PDF] Prescribing Regeneration Treatments for Mixed-Oak Forests in the ...
Survival of hardwood regeneration during prescribed fires: the importance of root development and root collar location. In: Spetich, M.A., ed. Upland oak ...
[56]
[PDF] Vegetative Propagation of Oak – What are the Best Options? A ...
Successful cutting propagation requires rooting under the continuously high humidity of a fog system. Long term performance of plants from cuttings appears to ...
[57]
[PDF] Asexual propagation of oak hybrids - hort.cornell.edu
For nearly 20 years Cornell University's Urban Horticulture Institute has been doing research on various methods of oak asexual propagation: cuttings, layering, ...
[58]
White Oak - Tree selection - Landscape plants - UF/IFAS
White Oak grows best in moist soil that does not dry out for long periods. Trees tolerate high soil salt - up to 8 mmhos/cm.
[59]
[PDF] UPLAND OAK SEEDLING GUIDELINES - Southern Research Station
Site selection is important as site productivity is negatively correlated to oak's competitive ability, but planting on poor-quality sites (less than 70 site ...
[60]
https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/Pages/quealb/quealb.shtml
[61]
White Oak Trees (Quercus alba): Care and Growing Guide
Oct 25, 2023 · White oaks are easy year round by their height, rounded canopy, and big trunk. They are large trees that grow to 50 to 75 feet tall with rounded canopies.Missing: ornamental | Show results with:ornamental
[62]
White Oak | Johnson's Nursery | KB
White Oaks grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil that is moist and well-drained. While adaptable to other soil textures, please note noted that you ...
[63]
CRIMSON SPIRE™ oak | Quercus 'Crimschmidt'
CRIMSON SPIRE™ oak is a hybrid between English oak and White oak. It was selected for a narrow form, only 15 feet wide, and good red fall color.
[64]
March 2023 - White Oak | Princeton, NJ
Native to New Jersey and to most of the eastern half of the United States in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. Found in rich upland forests and sheltered coves.
[65]
Eating Acorns - Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Oct 13, 2017 · Prepared properly, the oak seeds can provide a starch not unlike wheat flour; something that, once paired with other foods, is very flavorful.
[66]
Real Food Encyclopedia - Acorns - FoodPrint
Luckily for many of us, the white oak is fairly common and produces acorns low in tannins. Some varieties, like the California black oak, are particularly ...
[67]
Ode to the Oak: Acorn Harvesting, Preparation, Acorn Breads, and ...
Oct 11, 2020 · Cold water leaching is the longest (7-14 days) but lets you have the lightest colored flour and also preserves more of the flavor of the acorn.
[68]
Meet the White Oak - New England Forestry Foundation
Apr 11, 2021 · White Oak lumber has long been used in a variety of ways, including furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, but perhaps most uniquely in ...Missing: shipbuilding | Show results with:shipbuilding
[69]
The "Wooden Walls" of USS Constitution
May 11, 2015 · Since 1797, when USS Constitution was launched, “the best white oak” (as stated by Secretary of War Knox) of sufficient size and clarity has ...Missing: furniture flooring shipbuilding percentage
[70]
[PDF] Ohio Timber Price Report
White Oak. All grades. 11. 400-2000. 1050. 1314. 1000. 1250. 25. 25. Prime. 7. 700-3000 ... - - - - - - - ( $ / thousand board feet ) ...
[71]
Fact File on American White Oak Barrels | Cask Trade
American White Oak Barrels tend to be stronger in flavour, often described as cherry-cream soda, vanilla, or coconut, and whose oils result in spirits with a ...
[72]
12 Surprising Facts You Must Know About Used Oak Barrels
Jun 17, 2022 · An interesting fact is that 90% of whiskey is made from used bourbon barrels. 5) Small barrels help to age liquor faster. When you are buying ...<|separator|>
[73]
Curly White Oak Acoustic Guitar Back & Sides Set
This Oak is from the Eastern U.S.A. We have units of this beautiful curly Oak in 4/4, 5/4, and 6/4 thicknesses and mostly quartersawn. Please inquire for ...
[74]
White Oak - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
White oak bark is used as a tea for arthritis, diarrhea, colds, fever, cough, and bronchitis; for stimulating appetite; and for improving digestion.
[75]
Bourbon, Biodiversity, and the Quest to Save America's Oak Forests
Jan 20, 2023 · In Kentucky alone, the WOI estimates that white oak makes an $8 billion annual impact, three-quarters of which is generated by the distilling ...
[76]
Drought Response of Eastern US Oaks & Declining Abundance
Jan 25, 2022 · The oak (Quercus) species of eastern North America are declining in abundance, threatening the many socioecological benefits they provide.Missing: remaining | Show results with:remaining
[77]
[PDF] Stand dynamics and disturbance history of five oak -dominated old
Quercus alba was dominant by a large margin, at minimum twice as abundant as Q. velutina, the second ranked species. Acer saccharum and. Fagus grandifolia were ...<|separator|>
[78]
White Oak Initiative - Ensuring Regeneration of White Oak
The White Oak Initiative advocates for and works to catalyze sustainable upland oak forest management, with a focus on white oak regeneration. Learn more.
[79]
This massive collection of seeds could help fight climate change - NPR
Oct 18, 2023 · Workers at an Ohio arboretum are collecting thousands of seeds to help restore forests and fight climate change.
[80]
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Distribution of North ...
In the no-dispersal scenario, potential ranges decrease in size by 58% and shift northward by 330 km. Major redistribution pressures appear to be in order under ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[81]
(PDF) Effects of Gypsy Moth Defoliation in Oak-Pine Forests in the ...
Over a 5 -year period, defoliation from gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) ranged from 2.4% to 86.4% and mortality was nearly 50% of Q. alba stems in ...
[82]
Multiyear defoliations in southern New England increase oak mortality
Sep 23, 2021 · Following multiyear defoliations, white oak (Quercus alba L.) mortality was higher than for northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black oak (Q. velutina Lam. ...
[83]
[PDF] Forests (Oaks) in North America
As oak stands decline or experience accelerated mortality due to invasive species and climate change, many of the ecosystem services they provide decrease.
[84]
Oak Anthracnose : Landscape - UMass Amherst
Oct 18, 2024 · Oak anthracnose is caused by the fungal pathogen Apiognomonia errabunda (previously known as Discula quercina).
[85]
[PDF] Involvement of Phytophthora species in white oak (Quercus alba ...
Phytophthora cinnamomi is reported to cause root rot and stem cankers on oaks. (Crandall 1936, 1950; Crandall et al. 1945; Mircetich et al. 1977; Wood and ...
[86]
Urbanization, Not Invasive Shrubs, Alters Tree Seed Fate by ... - NIH
Aug 22, 2025 · Studies that have examined Quercus seed survival and recruitment via Quercus seed addition often report low survival because of rodent ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[87]
https://shop.arborday.org/treeguide/351
[88]
Oak – Divine Nature - Tree Spirit Wisdom
Oak reminds us of our inner strength and integrity as we reconnect with our divine nature. This is a time to revisit our roots so we can heal old wounds.
[89]
Maryland State Tree - White Oak
White Oaks are large, long-lived, and slow-growing trees, reaching heights of 60 to 150 feet, with diameters between 3 to 4 feet.Missing: Illinois Connecticut
[90]
White Oak - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - Florida 4-H
Jul 13, 2021 · White oak is the state tree of three states: Illinois, Connecticut, and Maryland. Its symbolism of age and prestige is further honored on the ...
[91]
https://patuxentnursery.com/blog/white-oak-tree-blog/
[92]
The Legend of the Charter Oak - Connecticut History
Feb 1, 2014 · Connecticut's Charter of 1662 In 1687, King James II attempted to include Connecticut in a “Dominion of New England,” which was to include the ...
[93]
The Charter Oak - Connecticut Judicial Branch - CT.gov
In 1687, King James II became intent upon gaining control of all the colonies and revoked the Royal Charters. He sent his Agent with an armed troop to seize ...
[94]
Medicinal Monday -White Oak - King of Trees
Oct 22, 2018 · The oak tree is considered a sacred tree and was used in a multitude of ways medicinally by many Native American tribes in North America.
[95]
Food Nuts of the Eastern Woodlands
The basic method to extract the oil was by heating the acorns in water. Though many traditions list burr-oaks, white-oaks and others as most desirable (due ...
[96]
Thoreau & Trees: A Visceral Connection - American Forests
Jun 2, 2016 · A white oak near Spencer Brook in Concord, 19 1/2 feet in circumference, as it looked in 2005; it sprouted around the time Thoreau was born, in ...Missing: wilderness | Show results with:wilderness
[97]
Henry David Thoreau, Tree-Hugger - Literary Hub
Jul 12, 2017 · The woods consisted mostly of white, but also black, red, and scarlet oak. Some were as wide and spreading as pasture trees, but most were ...
[98]
The Quiet Giant, The Wye Oak - Maryland DNR
Maryland's Wye Oak was long recognized as the largest white oak tree in the nation. Its stately presence in the village of Wye Mills in Talbot County had ...
[99]
Wye Oak Falls - Maryland DNR
The tree was well known and documented as one of the largest and perhaps the oldest living white oak in the country.
[100]
But Wye? The Wye Oak's Legacy on Campus - UMD Arboretum
Dec 7, 2023 · The Wye Oak's trunk circumference measured 31 feet and ten inches, total height measured at 96 feet, with a crown spread of 119 feet. Our ...
[101]
Mingo Oak - e-WV
Feb 8, 2024 · At the time its age was calculated at 577 years, having sprouted in the year 1361. It stood 145 feet tall, just over eight feet in diameter at ...
[102]
White Oak 'The Mingo Oak' near the Headwaters of the Trace Fork of ...
This White Oak, called the Mingo Oak, was one of the largest, tallest, and oldest oak trees to have ever existed on the east-coast of the US.
[103]
The oldest white oak tree in the country is dying - The Washington Post
Jun 27, 2016 · Pastor Jones thinks the reason could simply be old age. White oaks usually live between 200 and 300 years. The Basking Ridge oak has surpassed ...
[104]
White Oak: The King of Kings - Arbor Day Foundation
Aug 25, 2020 · Nicknamed the “Holy Oak,” this white oak tree was believed to be the oldest white oak in the country at 600 years old. The oak tree survived ...
[105]
A Tree Grows in Dedham - USS Constitution Museum
Apr 24, 2013 · The oak was a mature tree when English colonists incorporated Dedham in 1636. When William Avery constructed his sturdy timber-frame house ...
[106]
Quercus alba Massachusetts (Dedham) - Digital Commonwealth
The Avery Oak is a town icon for Dedham, Massachusetts, and dendrochronology shows that the tree actually matured fully before the town of Dedham ...Missing: verified 450
[107]
Quercus alba white oak - National Champion Tree Program
Tree Profile Height Height: 86 feet; Tree Profile Crown Spread Crown Spread: 113 feet; Tree Profile Volume Volume: N/A cubic feet; Tree Profile Year Last ...