Oak, white

White oak

Quercus alba
WHITE OAK
Fagaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates Q-17 (south side of Thomasson Building), N 39°11'8'' W 75°32'39''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:

tall deciduous tree
etymology: Quercus = the Latin name; alba = white
common name, and specific epithet, probably for whitish bark
leaves lobed, simple, alternate
monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same tree); flowers tiny; male flowers in drooping catkins, female flowers inconspicuous
fruit is an acorn (develops from ovary of female flower); cup bowl-shaped, covers <1/3 of acorn. Acorns food for wildlife, and formerly food for Native American Indians
in the “white oak group”: leaf lobes rounded; acorn matures in 1 year, often relatively sweet and edible
end buds clustered (typical of oaks)
wood excellent for furniture, floors, fuel, etc.

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)