American White Oak

Quercus spp.

The Quercus alba group includes several subspecies of oak that share many similar characteeristics such as chestnut oak (Q. prinus), bur oak (Q. macrocarpa), post oak (Q. stellate), swamp oak (Q. bicolor), live oak (Q. virginiana), overcup oak (Q. lyrata), Oregon white oak (Q. garryana), English oak (Q. robur), and others. White Oak is straight grained with a medium-coarse to coarse texture. The sapwood is narrow, light-colored, nearly white and the heartwood is light to dark brown. White oak is mostly straight-grained with a medium to coarse texture, with longer rays than red oak and more figure.

Other Names

Eastern White Oak, Stave Oak, Ridge White Oak, Cucharillo, Encino, and Roble.

Distribution:

Widespread throughout the Eastern U.S. The white oak group comprises many species, of which about eight are commercial. The trees prefer rich well drained soil, and average height is 60 to 80 feet. Most types of oaks live more than 200 years. However, there are some trees that live more than 1,000 years.

Availability:

Readily available but not as abundant as red oak. In the Appalachian region, White Oak is in high demand in the bourbon industry creating localized supply and demand challenges that continue to drive the market upwards.

American White Oak

Quercus spp.

Oak is the national tree of numerous nations including the United States, England, Germany, Latvia, France, Serbia, and Poland. It symbolizes strength and perseverance. Live oak, as the name implies, is evergreen and also is long-lived. It sprouts readily from the roots and root collar. The United States Navy once owned many stands of live oak, as it was considered the strongest wood for ship building. The timbers of the U.S.S. Constitution, “Old Ironsides,” are made from live oak. White oak is the state tree of Connecticut, Illinois and Maryland.

American White Oak

Quercus spp.

Native Americans and early settlers would boil and eat white oak acorns. The bark from oak trees is rich in tannin. One oak tree normally produces about 2,000 acorns each year and can absorb 50 gallons of water per day. White oak is impervious to liquids, and has been used extensively for ship timbers, barrels and casks.