74 



STUDIES OF TREES 



1 / 



Enemies: The tree is comparatively free from insects 

 and disease except in districts where the Gipsy moth is 

 common, in which case the leaves of the white oak are a 

 favorite food of its caterpillars. 



Value for planting : 

 The white oak is one of 

 the most stately trees. 

 Its massive form and its 

 longevity make the tree 

 suitable for both lawn 

 and woodland planting 

 but it is not used much 

 because it is difficult to 

 transplant and grows 

 rather slowly. 



Commercial value : 

 The wood is of great 

 economic importance. It 

 is heavy, hard, strong and 

 durable and is used in 

 cooperage, construction 

 work, interior finish of 

 FIG. 59.-Bark of Black Oak. buildings and for railroad 



(Quercus velutina). ties, furniture, agricul- 



tural implements and fuel. 



Comparisons:. The swamp white oak (Quercus plata- 

 noides) is similar to the white oak in general appearance 

 of the bark and form and is therefore liable to be confused 

 with it. It differs from the white oak, however, in pos- 

 sessing a more straggly habit and in the fact that the bark 

 on the under side of its branches shags in loose, large 

 scales. Its buds are smaller, lighter colored and more 

 downy and its acorns are more pointed and with cups 



