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Chêne blanc indigène au port largement arrondi, présentant une écorce gris pâle en plaques et des feuilles vert foncé aux lobes arrondis, plus pâles au revers. Le feuillage devient rouge pourpre à brun vineux en automne et des glands mûrissent parmi les rameaux. Cette vue illustre <em>Quercus alba</em>, grand arbre de Zone 3 atteignant environ 20 à 30 m de hauteur et une largeur comparable.

Large native deciduous shade tree Fagaceae

Grand arbre indigène patrimonial pour ombre et biodiversité

White oak

White oak

The white oak is a large, slow-growing native tree, designed for vast areas where it can become a living legacy. Its rounded, lobed leaves turn from dark green to purplish red or wine brown in the fall. The pyramidal crown of a young tree broadens to reach about 20 to 30 m (66 to 98 ft) in height with a comparable spread. Hardy in Zone 3, it prefers full sun, deep, cool, slightly acidic, and well-drained soil. Its acorns and foliage support a remarkable diversity of birds, mammals, and caterpillars. For best results, permanently protect the entire root zone.

50 mm / Spindle basket

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Quantity: 50 mm / Spindle basket
Exposure: Full sun; light partial shade tolerated
Hardiness: Zone 3

Common nameWhite oak

FamilyFagaceae

GenusOak

Speciesdawn

TypeLarge native deciduous shade tree

Botanical nameWhite oak

White Oak (Quercus alba) is a large native tree found in southern Quebec and Ontario, prized for its longevity, majestic crown, and ecological value. Its leaves with rounded lobes emerge pinkish, turn dark green with a paler underside, then transform into reddish-purple to wine-brown hues in autumn. The pale gray bark forms characteristic plates with age. Expect a height of approximately 20 to 30 m (66 to 98 ft) and a comparable width at maturity. Its initially pyramidal habit becomes broadly rounded, irregular, and spreading, creating generous shade in large landscapes.

Plant white oak in full sun in deep, loose, slightly acidic, fresh, and very well-drained soil. It adapts to various soil textures and tolerates moderate drought after establishment but dislikes standing water, compaction, and work that disturbs its roots. Its taproot makes transplanting large specimens difficult; a young tree well-established in the right place yields the best results. Water deeply during the first few seasons, apply 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch without covering the collar, and protect a large root zone. Hardy to Zone 3, it is suitable for locations where it can remain for several generations.

Use white oak as a shade tree, heritage specimen, park tree, or a cornerstone of a naturalized planting. Its acorns mature in a single season and feed jays, woodpeckers, wild turkeys, squirrels, deer, and other mammals; its foliage also supports numerous butterflies and moths. Place it away from buildings, wires, paved surfaces, septic tanks, and drains. Acorns and young leaves, rich in tannins, can be harmful in large quantities, especially to horses. Prune during dormancy to limit the risk of oak wilt. Also monitor for anthracnose, galls, scale insects, and borers, while avoiding unnecessary treatments.

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density Plant as a specimen and reserve at least 20 to 30 m (66 to 98 ft) wide

Best planting time Spring or early autumn, when the ground is workable

Propagation Planting of fresh acorns; transplantation preferable at a young age

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acid to slightly acid; chlorosis possible in overly alkaline soil

Minimum temperature

Around -40°C (-40°F) in Zone 3

Care level

Low to moderate after establishment

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

Water deeply after planting and regularly during the first few seasons to moisten the entire root ball. Then, allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings. An established tree tolerates moderate drought but benefits from slow watering during prolonged periods without rain. Avoid daily shallow watering and any saturation. A wide mulch circle reduces evaporation, protects surface roots, and limits foot traffic on the soil.

Soil type

Choose deep, loose, cool, slightly acidic, and very well-drained soil. White oak adapts to clay, loam, or sand when the roots have oxygen and ample space. Avoid standing water, backfills, compacted surfaces, and work near the trunk. Plant at the root collar, loosen a wide area, and apply 5 to 8 cm of mulch without touching the bark. A well-chosen permanent location is essential.

Fertilization

A thin layer of compost in spring is generally sufficient in living soil. Have the soil analyzed before adding fertilizer, especially when the foliage turns yellow, as a high pH, deficient drainage, or disturbed roots can be the cause. Avoid high doses of nitrogen and late fertilization, which stimulate tender shoots. Regular growth and green foliage indicate that no additional input is necessary.

Moisture

Average; fresh soil but without stagnant water

Seasonal care

In spring, inspect the root collar, bark, and branch attachments, then renew the mulch, keeping it away from the trunk. Remove only dead or broken wood. In summer, water deeply during droughts and prevent vehicles, materials, or work from compacting the soil beneath the canopy. Monitor for anthracnose, galls, scale insects, borers, and signs of wilting. Avoid pruning during the active period of insect vectors when oak wilt is present in the region. In autumn, enjoy the crimson color, collect acorns from pathways, and leave some in a naturalized area for wildlife. In winter or during dormancy, perform necessary structural pruning with clean tools. Protect the young trunk from rodents, salt, and snow removal equipment. Never change the soil level around an established tree. Consult an arborist for large branches or any rapid decline. For best results, permanently protect the entire root zone. Always reserve the announced adult space.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Temporary nursery container only; plant in the ground

Permanent container growing is not recommended for this large tree. A young specimen can temporarily remain in its nursery container, but should be planted in its final location quickly. Keep the root ball moist without saturating it, and prevent the roots from circling for too long in a small volume. Prepare the ground before purchasing to limit transplant shock and protect the taproot.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

25 m (82 ft)

Width / spread

20 m (66 ft)

Flower color

Yellowish green; female flowers reddish green

Foliage color

Dark green, pale reverse; crimson to wine-red in autumn

Foliage type

Obsolete

Growth rate

Slow to moderate

Growth habit

Pyramidal when young, then broadly rounded, irregular and spreading

Bloom period

Discreet flowers appear in spring with the new leaves. Male flowers form long, drooping greenish-yellow catkins, while small female flowers develop near the young branches. Pollination is wind-dependent. The flowering is not a major ornamental attraction, but it allows for the formation of acorns that mature the same year. Mature trees generally produce more regularly than young specimens.

Fruiting

Ovoid acorns, 1.2 to 2.5 cm long, mature in a single season and fall in autumn. Their shallow cupule covers about a quarter of the acorn. They are an important food source for many birds and mammals, but can litter sidewalks. Acorns and young leaves contain tannins and can be harmful to horses when consumed in large quantities. This product is not presented as a food plant.

Harvest

TRUE

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Pair white oak with asters, goldenrods, coneflowers, native grasses, ferns, and site-appropriate groundcovers. These plants add nectar, seeds, and shelter around the tree. Keep a clear circle near the trunk and choose full-sun species first. As the canopy creates more shade, introduce tolerant companions. Avoid aggressive roots and any planting that requires deep digging under an established oak. For best results, permanently protect the entire root zone.

Plants to avoid

Avoid standing water, compacted soil, backfill, trunk injuries, and work in the root zone. Do not plant near wires, buildings, paved surfaces, septic tanks, or drains. Watch for oak wilt, anthracnose, two-lined chestnut borer, scales, and galls. Prune during dormancy when oak wilt is present in the region. Keep large quantities of acorns and young leaves away from horses. Consult an arborist for rapid decline. For best results, protect the entire root zone permanently.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Attracts birds

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Acorns nourish jays, woodpeckers, wild turkeys, squirrels, deer, and small mammals. White oak foliage also serves as a host plant for a wide variety of caterpillars, which then become an essential food source for insectivorous birds. The branches provide shelter and nesting sites. Maintain diverse vegetation and avoid unnecessary treatments. However, collect acorns near horses or on frequently used paths.