SCIENTIFIC NAME
Quercus alba. Derivation: The genus name is the classic Latin name for oaks, derived from the Celtic fine and tree. The specific epithet is Latin for white.

FAMILY
Fagaceae, the beech family.

OTHER NAMES
eastern white oak, forked-leaf white oak, stave oak, ridge white oak.

DISTRIBUTION
The range extends from southern Quebec, southern Ontario, Minnesota and Nebraska, south to Florida and Texas.

THE TREE
White oak is one of the most valuable and useful of the North American forest trees. It is usually 70 to 80 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 2 to 3 feet. The tree is sturdy and rugged, and few hardwoods are more handsome. It has a high straight stem with a broad round crown of wide-spreading branches. The tall trunk produces a large quantity of the finest lumber. In the autumn, the leaves turn to bright yellow or red and later pale brown. They usually cling to the twigs throughout the winter. Squirrels and birds relish the acorns. White oak is the state tree of Connecticut, Illinois and Maryland.

THE TIMBER
The heartwood is light tannish-brown, and the narrow sapwood is nearly white. Average reported specific gravity is 0.60 (ovendry weight/green volume), equivalent to an air-dried weight of 46 pd. It is very strong and hard with a moderately fine grain. Quartersawn oak reveals a large number of rays. The grain is usually straight. White oak ranks fairly high in all strength properties and is classified as very good for steam bending. Its wear resistance is outstanding.

SEASONING
White oak timber seasons fairly slowly and tends to check and split but movement in service is only medium. Average reported shrinkage values (green to ovendry) are 5.6% radial, 10.5% tangential and 16.3% volumetric.

DURABILITY
The heartwood is renowned for its durability and is commonly used outdoors without preservative treatment. Fire and gypsy moths are the greatest enemies to the growing tree.

WORKABILITY
White oak timber may be worked fairly easily, taking a smooth finish. It can be glued satisfactorily.

USES
Uses range from fine cabinetry, interior trim, general millwork, flooring and veneer for paneling to heavy construction work such as bridges, ships, railroad cars and motor vehicle parts. Because of its impermeability, the timber is used extensively for liquor barrels and other containers. The tannic acid in the wood causes unsightly discoloration from corrosion when iron, steel or lead materials are in contact with the wood under damp conditions. Therefore, use of non-ferrous fastenings is recommended for assembly purposes.

SUPPLIES
White oak veneers are plentiful. Lumber is available at a moderate cost when compared to other hardwoods.

Information from A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Second Edition, James H. Flynn, Jr. and Charles D. Holder, Editors. Forest Products Society, Madison, Wisconsin, 2001.

Photographs from MDArtworks