White oak Quercus alba
White oak (Quercus alba) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fagaceae family, native to Eastern and central North America. It grows 20–30 m (66–98 ft) tall and 20–30 m (66–98 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 18 m (59 ft) apart.
Plan White oak in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
White oak at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 20–30 m (66–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 m (66–98 ft) |
| Spacing | 18 m (59 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: acorns (sweet; little leaching needed) |
| Native to | Eastern and central North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is White oak toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: acorns, leaves
Tannins: stomach upset; kidney damage risk to dogs and livestock.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with White oak
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See White oak in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1 plants)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (2 plants)
- Longwood Gardens (1 plants)
- New York Botanical Garden (5 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (1 plants)
Questions about White oak
- How far apart should I plant White oak?
- About 18 m (59 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 m (66–98 ft).
- Does White oak need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White oak need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is White oak?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does White oak flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is White oak poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Tannins: stomach upset; kidney damage risk to dogs and livestock.
- What grows well with White oak?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for White oak. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Rounded lobes, pale flaky bark and a vast spreading crown; supports more caterpillar species than almost any other tree. State tree of Illinois, Connecticut and Maryland.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- English oak Quercus robur
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- European beech Fagus sylvatica
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra