Quercus alba
![Stacks Image 66](files/stacks-image-E21548A-66.jpg)
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:
Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)
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)
![Stacks Image 76](files/stacks-image-8715819-76.jpg)
![](http://arboretum.desu.edu/animations/quercus_alba.gif)
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