Botanical name: Quercus alba
The Oak tree is the
National Tree of AmericaA symbol of America's
great strength.
Family: Fagaceae - Beech or Oak Family. This family is made up of over 750
species of trees and shrubs around the world. Includes
oaks, chestnuts and beech trees.
Common names: White Oak
Description: A tall, majestic and proud American tree that
dominates hardwood forests on the east coast. A must-have
tree if you want to create a wildlife garden in our area.
Leaves are an outstanding feature with their soft-curvy
lobes and pop out in late spring in a cute pink-white color.
The leaves turn dark green by summer and provide a wonderful fall display of
burgundy. Leaves from oaks are one of the last leaves to drop in fall. Immature
oaks will keep a lot of their leaves (albeit brown leaves) through most of the
winter. The bark an attractive light gray in color and has deep ridges when
matured. Acorns grace the mature oak that can live to be over 600 years old.
Height 80-100'.
Maintenance: Prefers partial shade to sun. Virtually pest free
and no pruning is required.
History: Native Americans used the oak tree leaf size (as big as a
mouse's ear)as a sign to plant corn in the spring. In addition,
acorns from the white oak were crushed and ground to make
bread. Wood from the oak is used in many building projects,
including ships, floors and furniture.
Wildlife benefits: This page can be filled with names of species that the great oak
tree benefits, including man. The tree provides nesting sites for birds and
mammals. The twigs are eaten by deer and bunnies, numerous butterfly and
moth species dine on the leaves provided by the oak. Acorns are enjoyed by birds
and small mammals and are possibly the
main food for many of our wildlife species
for winter months. Some butterflies
overwinter in cracks in the bark.
Potential vendors: Collect a few acorns
from a forest walk and try growing your oak
from seed. Otherwise oaks can be
purchased most local nurseries and native
plant sales.
This plant is native to Virginia and will flourish naturally while
protecting the ecosystem
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