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White Oak
(Quercus alba)
In South Carolina, White Oak can be found quite easily from the Midlands and northward into the piedmont and upstate. White Oak communities throughout the Carolinas are considered ecological powerhouses. They support robust forest ecosystems and can sustain wildlife for hundreds of years.
White Oak offers a delightful, durable autumn display as its rounded, lobed leaves display rich tones of crimson and burgundy, slowly withering and fading to a parched brown as many linger on the tree until late winter.
The annual acorn production of White Oak is closely matched by the wildlife consumption of those acorns. Because White Oak acorns are preferred over acorns from other oaks, they are eaten almost as quickly as they fall and very few ever have a chance to sprout. However, as usual, nature has a solution. White Oak (and oak in general) has periodic, synchronized masting cycles that produce high-yield bumper crops. For White Oak these masting cycles occur irregularly every 4-10 years and, during those cycles, White Oaks flood the forest with acorns, over-producing as a team, to ensure a surplus of acorns that have a chance to sprout.
At this time however, older White Oak trees are not being replaced quickly enough by new generations. This raises concern about the long-term sustainability of White Oak and why it is becoming critically important to plant them. Additionally, it is important that deer and wild turkey populations are managed wisely, allowing more acorns to survive and sprout.
White Oak wood is heavy, durable and resists decay. This is due to the presence of tyloses that seal the tree's xylem (water-conducting vessels) and act as a defensive barrier against infection. The significant presence of tyloses makes White Oak wood watertight and, thus, ideal for use as casks, flooring, cabinetry and furniture.
Toxicities:
Acorns, buds, and leaves contain tannins that can damage the gut and kidneys of horses and cattle, which can be fatal.
If ingested, acorns can cause digestive tract blockages and can potentially cause kidney and/or liver damage in dogs.
For information regarding common diseases and pests of White Oak trees visit Clemson Cooperative Extension's Home and Garden Information Center.
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Conditions
Light:
- Full Sun
Soils:
- Rich Loam; 40% Sand - 40% Silt - 20% Clay and high organic matter.
- Deep
- Soil pH 4.5 - 7.0
- Moist and well drained
Does not tolerate compacted or high alkaline soils. High pH will cause iron or manganese chlorosis.
Tolerance:
- Occasional Drought
- Sensitive to Flooding
Growth
Expect a White Oak to grow at a slow to medium pace with a wide, rounded to oval shape. During its first year a White Oak is invested in establishing a deep tap root and strong root system. Steady, upward growth generally begins during its second growing season.
Mature height will be fairly tall, ranging from 60'-100' with an equal to wider spread and a 2' to 3' trunk diameter.
White Oak has a typical lifespan of 200 to 300 years. However, evidence shows that some White Oaks have lived for over 600 years.
Manufacturer's Specs
Carbon Storage Characteristics:
- Slow to Medium Growth
- Long Lifespan
- Heavy Density
Carbon Storage Estimates for
Lifetime/Mature Tree:
- High
- CO₂e = 4.4 to 5.15 tons
Pollution/Dust Interception:
- Medium
Tropospheric Ozone Tolerance:
- High
Flood/Stormwater Abatement:
- High
Oxygen Yield:
- High