White oak
Quercus alba 路 Fagaceae 路 also Eastern white oak
A massive, long-lived oak that is pyramidal when young and becomes broad and rounded, often wider than tall, with light ashy-gray bark in flat plates. The rounded-lobed leaves emerge pink, mature dark green and turn wine-red to brown in fall. Acorns feed turkeys, jays, woodpeckers and deer, and the tree hosts hundreds of caterpillar species. It needs a large yard or park and does not belong in a parking strip.
Where it stands
Native
Recommended
- 馃嚚馃嚘 Toronto, ON, Canada 路 On Toronto's list of species planted on streets (native to Ontario).source
Care
Hard to transplant because of its taproot, so start with a small tree in full sun and deep, well-drained acidic soil and keep it watered for two seasons. Prune only in the dormant season so beetles that spread oak wilt are not attracted to fresh wounds. Oak wilt, anthracnose, galls, scale and two-lined chestnut borer occur but rarely matter on a healthy tree; protect the roots from construction and compaction.
Benefits
Good for