46 



Native Trees of Kentucky 



No. 1. a. White Oak Oiiercus alba. 



The \Yhite Oak, so called 

 because of its pale gray bark, 

 is at this time the most widely 

 distributed, most abundant and 

 most valuable tree of our Ken- 

 tucky forests, where it reaches 

 a magnificent size. It repro- 

 duces itself by seeds and 

 sprouts, has a long tap root re- 

 inforced by an extensive sys- 

 tem of lateral roots. For 

 thrifty growth, it does not de- 

 mand a rich soil, but prefers 

 well-drained, protected situa- 

 tions, with plenty of light. 



The wood of the White Oak 

 outranks all other species in general usefulness. It is in the 

 highest demand for ship building and heavy construction work, 

 for vehicles, farm implements, railroad ties, posts, interior finish 

 and furniture. Its extensive use for tight cooperage has given 

 it the name of Stave Oak. In parks, it is highly prized for its 

 symmetry of form and attractive coloring. 



The flowers appear when the leaves are half grown : stami- 

 nate, in clusters of long yellow tassels ; pistillate, or nut flowers, 

 in pairs on short stalks. 



Tree very broad, with stout, spreading, irregular branches. 

 Bark gray, with shallow fissures in flat ridges. 

 Lccri'cs 5 to 9 inches long, with 5 to 7 obliquely ascending 

 lobes which are themselves often slightly lobed ; 

 sinuses very deep. 



-acorns, long and slender, nuts enclosed in shallow 

 scaly cups. These mature early every autumn, fall 

 immediately and germinate readily in fresh soil or 

 beds of leaves. No acorns are found on \Yhite 

 Oak in winter. 



Fruit- 



