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WHITE OAK (Quercus alba L.) 



WITHIN its natural range, which includes prac- 

 tically the entire eastern half of the United 

 States, the white oak is one of the most important 

 timber trees. It commonly reaches a height of 60 

 to 100 feet and a diameter of 2 to 3 feet ; sometimes 

 it becomes much larger. It is found in a wide variety 

 of soils. When grown in a dense stand it has a 



WHITE OAK 



Twig, one-half natural size. 



Leaf, one-quarter natural size. 



straight continuous trunk, free of side branches for 

 over half its height. In the open, however, the tree 

 develops a broad crown with far-reaching limbs. 

 Well-grown specimens are strikingly beautiful. 



The leaves are alternate, simple, 5 to 9 inches 

 long and about half as broad. They are deeply di- 

 vided into 5 to 9 rounded, finger-like lobes. The 

 young leaves are a soft silvery gray or yellow or 

 red while unfolding, becoming later bright green 

 above and much paler below. The fruit is an acorn 

 maturing the first year. The nut is three-quarter 

 to one inch long, light brown, about one-quarter en- 

 closed in the wErty cup. It is relished by hogs and 

 other live stock. The bark is thin, light ashy gray 

 and covered with loose scales or broad plates. 



The wood is useful and valuable. It is heavy, 

 strong, hard, tough, close-grained, durable, and light 

 brown in color. The uses are many, including con- 

 struction, shipbuilding, tight cooperage, furniture, 

 wagons, implements, interior finish, flooring, and 

 fuel. Notwithstanding its rather slow growth, white 

 oak is valuable for forest, highway and ornamental 

 planting. 



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