Wild Guide: White Oak

Wild Guide: White Oak

Quercus alba

Status

Common

Size

Height: to 120 feet

Distribution

Statewide

With its long, straight trunk and broad, rounded crown, oak trees are one of the most attractive shade trees in Missouri. It is also one of the longest lived at over 300 years in some cases. Oaks occur on dry upland slopes and ridges, valleys and ravine bottoms, forests, woodlands, and savanna natural communities throughout the state. In the fall, the lobed leaves of oak trees turn beautiful shades of red. Starting in September, acorns begin to ripen.