White Oak

Stave Oak

Quercus alba

Fagaceae family

Basic Landscape Attributes

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History of
the Tree Species

Native to eastern and central North America and long-lived (some can live 450+ years)

Name a bit of a misnomer as few trees feature white bark -- name derives from the finished wood

Used (alongside other oak lumber) to build the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) and as keels of mine sweepers and patrol boats in WWII

The preferred wood type for wine and liquor barrels thanks to its strength and tyloses that provide a tight seal

Full sun to partial shade

Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, deep, moist, well-drained soil

Adaptable to other soil textures but can't tolerate alkaline, shallow, or abused arable soils

Tolerates drought and occasional wet soil

Acorns caps are bubbly

Acorns are rich in fat and protein -- some are sweet enough to enjoy raw, but they're best eaten after roasting or boiling and drying

In addition to being eaten outright, acorns can be candied or ground into a meal/flour

Bark used as a tea for treating arthritis, diarrhea, colds, fever, cough, and bronchitis -- also helps stimulate appetite and improves digestion

Location on tree on Shelby Ave: