Arboretum Trees—White Oak

Quercus alba

Hark! Behold the white oak! A tree quite notable ’round these parts.

For one, it’s quite valuable for its timber; the wood is used for all manner of purposes, from martial arts weapons to whisky barrels. Secondly, the tree has been important for a number of cultures throughout history, such as the Wye Oak of Maryland, the Charter Oak of Connecticut, and even the “Tree of Hope” in the movie Shawshank Redemption. Lastly, and most importantly, white oaks play an intrinsic role as premier habitat for many of the bat species found on the Reservation. Bats rely on the large flaking bark found in mature white oaks to bundle up and survive the elements. It is important we continue to behold the white oak and maintain its establishment here and beyond.

 

Family: Fagaceae

Foliage: Deciduous

Mature height range: 80-100 ft.

Light exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil preference: Well-drained

Tolerance: Tolerates a wide variety of sites, including ridge tops and lowlands; also tolerates dry and wet soils but may be more susceptible to pests and disease; does not tolerate urban environments well

Wildlife: Acorns are consumed by birds, mammals, and insects; browsing by mammals; and larval host plant for Bucculatrix luteellaBucculatrix ochrisuffusa moths, Edward’s hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), and many more