Trees of the Pfeiffer Nature Center

White Oak Quercus alba

White Oak Quercus alba

                    (KWER-kus AL-bah)

    As we noted in the discussion of Red Oaks in the last issue, Quercus is the Latin name for an oak tree.  The species name, alba, is a Latin word for "white" so the Latin genus and species names are again direct translation of the English common name.  The White Oak's leaves typically are variable, having 5 to 11 rounded lobes as opposed to the bristled leaves of the Red Oak.  New leaves are nearly white on the undersides and they dull red or brown in autumn.   The bark is light gray and the short intersecting shallow furrows give it a scaly appearance.  You will also recall from the article on the Red Oaks that the oak genus Quercus is included within the Family Fagaciae (fay-GAY-cih-ee or fah-GAY-cih-ee), the same family as the American Beech, and is deriverd from the Latin for "beech tree."

    All oak trees of whatever species have small conspicuous flowers with both male and female flowers on the same tree.  Plants have this characteristic male and female flower arrangement are termed monoeocious - translated into English from the Greek as "same house."  This small yellow male flower occur in hanging catkins with large numbers of flowers in each catkin.  The female flower occur either singly or together in small numbers on a spike. 

    The White Oaks are members of the group (subgenus) of oaks identified as "white oak."  The acorns of these "white oaks" mature in the fall of each year as opposed to the second fall ripening of the acorns of the "red oaks" subgenus.  The acorns of the White Oak have a sweeter taste than the Red Oak and are a favorite food of black bear, deer, squirrels and blue jays.  The acorns of the White Oak do not store well.  Instead of wintering over to germinate the following year after falling as do the acorns of the "red oak" subspecies, the acorns of a White Oak will typically germinate within a few weeks after falling to the forest floor.  Squirrels cannot eat the germinated seeds so there is only a short time in which they may be utilized as food by these animals.

    White Oak is another popular wood for cabinetry and furniture, floors, veneers, ect.  It is sometimes called Stave Oak because of its use in making tight-fitting barrel staves.  During colonial days it was used extensively for ship building.

    White Oaks grow more slowly and perfer dryer soil than Red Oaks.  You will see these two species growing together in the oak stands of the Nature Center, although you will find that most of the White Oaks are located in the higher, drier sections of the Oak Forest Community suck as those areas along ridge on the White Oak trail. 

by: Michael J. DeSha

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