White Oak
Quercus alba 
The most important hardwood lumber tree in the United States and Missouri, setting the standard of lumber for all other oaks. The wood is outstanding for making tight barrels for whiskey and other liquids. It makes its best growth in deep, moist well-drained soils of coves and bottomland benches, but is found on a variety of sites throughout the state.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 85 ft
- Spread
- 85 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 5" - 9" long; 7-9 rounded lobes, edges smooth, bright green
- Flowers
- male flowers in yellow-green catkins; female flowers inconspicuous
- Fruit
- acorn, 3/4" long; shiny brown with a thick warty cap
- Bark
- light gray; rough with long loose scales; becoming blocky on very old trees
- Associated species
- black oak, northern red oak, hickory, black-gum, flowering dogwood
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, partial sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover, dens
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Range
