white oak

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

50-135 ft. tall
50-80 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Acorns should be planted directly or in deep containers to accommodate taproot formation. No pretreatment is required.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 50′ spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Numerous insects and pathogens may infect white oaks, but these are rarely significant issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Supports numerous caterpillars (bird food)

Leaves

Leaves alternate, simple, and obovate with lobed margins. Leaf lobes are typically rounded rather than pointed.

Flowers

Male flowers are yellowish-green catkins. Female flowers are smaller and exhibit greenish-red.

Fruit

Acorn

Bark

Light gray with irregular ridges and peeling.

Toxicity

Low toxicity if ingested.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Xeric to mesic forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.