White Oak

Scientific Nomenclature: Quercus alba

Common Name: white oak

Mature Height: 60–100 feet

Mature Spread: 50–80 feet

Growth Rate: Moderate

Attracts Wildlife: Birds, mammals, select butterfly and moth species

Messiness: Acorns drop in late autumn or early winter. Flowers bloom in April and drop shortly after. Leaves drop in autumn, but some may persist through winter.

Shape: Round/Spreading

Native to Kentucky: Yes

Preferred Soils: Prefers deep, moist, well-drained neutral (6.0–8.0pH) or acidic (<6.0pH) soils. Is adaptable to other soil types but is intolerant of habitually wet sites.

Screening: Has no use as a screening or privacy tree.

Drought Tolerance: Is tolerant of drought once well established.

Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous

Pruning: Very rarely needs pruning. Remove any deadwood while the tree is dormant to keep it at its healthiest.

Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one white oak will:

• Sequester ~381 pounds of CO2.
• Reduce stormwater runoff by 230 gallons.