White Oak

Quercus alba "Grandchildren of Wye Oak"

$23.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 3–9 Full Sun Matures 60–80 Feet

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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The Full Story

White Oak is a large, imposing deciduous tree reaching 50 to 80 feet with a broad, rounded crown. It is a long-lived, slow-growing oak. Many venerable specimens exist.

The leaves with rounded lobes turn russet-red in fall and are widely recognized as the logo for The Nature Conservancy. The flaky bark is light gray-brown.

This common oak is widespread in eastern North America and is an important timber tree and wildlife food plant. Use where there is fertile, well-drained soil and ample space for a large tree.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 3–9
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 60–80 Feet · Spread 60–80 Feet
Growth rate
Slow
Seasonality
Deciduous
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Flower:

  • The flowers of Quercus alba are small and inconspicuous, typical of oak species.
  • Male flowers appear in slender, dangling yellow-green catkins that can grow up to 2–4 inches long. These produce pollen in the spring.
  • Female flowers are tiny, reddish, and found near the leaf axils. They are less noticeable than the male catkins.
  • Flowering occurs in spring, usually in April or May, and coincides with the emergence of new leaves.

Fruit:

  • The fruit is a large acorn, about 3/4–1 inch long and 1/2–3/4 inch wide.
  • Acorns are enclosed at the base by a shallow, scaly cap (cupule) that covers about 1/4 of the nut.
  • When mature, the acorns turn a warm brown color and drop in fall.
  • These acorns are an important food source for wildlife such as squirrels, deer, turkeys, and blue jays.

Foliage:

  • Leaves are deciduous and deeply lobed, with 5–9 rounded lobes per leaf, giving them a classic oak appearance.
  • They are dark green on the upper surface and pale green to whitish underneath due to a waxy coating, which helps with moisture retention.
  • Leaves are typically 4–9 inches long and 2–4 inches wide.
  • In the fall, the foliage transforms into brilliant shades of red, burgundy, and purple, creating a stunning display.
Care

Read our full care guide

Quercus alba, commonly known as the White Oak, is a majestic and long-lived deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. Known for its massive size, stunning fall color, and ecological importance, it is a cornerstone species in its native habitat. With proper care, it can thrive for centuries, providing shade, beauty, and habitat.

Sunlight:

  • Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Can tolerate partial shade, especially during its juvenile stages, but prefers open areas for optimal growth.

Soil:

  • Prefers deep, well-drained soil with a loamy or sandy texture.
  • Adapts to a range of soil types, including acidic and slightly alkaline soils (pH 5.5–7.5).
  • Tolerates clay soils if they are not compacted or waterlogged.

Watering:

  • Requires moderate watering, especially during its establishment phase (first 1–2 years).
  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.
  • Ensure deep watering to encourage a robust root system.

Fertilization:

  • Does not require frequent fertilization in nutrient-rich soils.
  • If needed, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to support growth.
  • Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to weak growth and increased vulnerability to pests.
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.