The state tree of Maryland, the white oak (Quercus alba), is a large and long-lived deciduous tree with a native range that covers every eastern U.S. state all the way to Minnesota and Kansas. The mature height of white oaks in an urban setting is typically 65 to 85 feet, but they may reach 100 feet or taller under more favorable growing condition. When planted in an open space, they have a characteristic wide spreading, rugged, irregular crown, and a stocky bole. In the forest, crowns are upright and oval. Specimens have been known to live up to 600 years.
White oak leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong to ovate in shape, 4 to 7 inches long, with 7 to 10 rounded, finger-like lobes. Leaf sinus depth (indentations) ranges from deep to shallow, the leaf apex is rounded, and the base is wedge-shaped. In summer color, they are green to blue-green above and whitish below. Fall color is purple-red, showy and long lasting.
The fruit of the white oak is a ¾-inch to 1-inch long elongated acorn, in pairs or singles. The acorn cap is warty and bowl shaped, and the acorns mature in one growing season. The fruit can be numerous, but the crop is irregular from year to year. The acorns supply food for many of our native fauna,
Next