White Oak
Quercus alba Native to Northeastern North America One
of our most majestic trees when grown in the open, White Oak has a wide-spreading,
rounded habit. This is a very imposing specimen when full grown and
one of the most handsome oaks. It is easy to identify by its scaly light
grey trunk and round, lobed pinnate leaves that are deep green above
and pale beneath. The fall color varies from brown to a rich red then
to a wine color and lasts for long periods of time. Indians ground the
white meat of the acorns and used it as a type of meal. These acorns
are the most edible of all oak acorns because they contain the least
tannin. White Oak was much prized for shipbuilding in Colonial times.
It is now used for flooring, furniture and general construction.
