Oaks

Quercus alba, the white oak, is the grandfather of the eastern forest, a slow, massive, long-lived tree that can stand for centuries and outlast the people who plant them. The most famous of all was the Wye Oak of Wye Mills, Maryland, a single white oak that stood for more than four hundred and sixty years and served as Maryland's state tree until a storm brought the giant down in 2002. The broad, rounded crown, the pale, scaly, ash-gray bark, and the deeply lobed, blue-green leaves are the picture most people carry of an oak.

Hardiness

Zones 3–9

Light

Full Sun / Part Shade

Height

50–80 ft.

Spread

50–80 ft.

Bloom

Yellow

Plant type

Tree

Traditional use

digestive health, topical applications, respiratory support

These are the grandchildren of a legend. The Wye Oak of Wye Mills, Maryland, was the greatest white oak in the country, a single tree that stood more than four hundred and sixty years and served as Maryland's state tree until a storm finally brought the giant down in 2002. Quercus alba 'Grandchildren of Wye Oak' are seedling-grown descendants of that famous tree, carrying the bloodline of an American icon into gardens that have room for the long view.

Hardiness

Zones 3–9

Light

Full Sun / Part Shade

Height

60–80 ft.

Spread

60–80 ft.

Bloom

Yellow

Plant type

Tree

Traditional use

digestive health, topical applications, respiratory support