Information on White Oak Trees

The white oak tree is a majestic tree with a lengthy existence on earth. It is not considered to be an endangered species. It is multifaceted, as it can grow in a variety of environments and atmospheres, from the beach to the mountains. The white oak provides nourishment for the wildlife with their abundant supply of acorns. Because the wood from the white oak tree is such a substantial one, it has a multitude of uses In commercial products. This would include: cabinets, flooring, cabinets, pallets, barrels, interior woodwork and for commercial jobs.

Appearance

The white oak tree develops slowly, but it is known for living up to 600 years. They can grow from 60 to 100 feet. The trunk can reach up to 6 feet in diameter, while expanding out an additional 50 to 90 feet. The bark is a grayish white color and the leaves have seven to nine rounded points.

Production

The leaves and the flowers of the white oak tree typically arrive around the same time each spring. It can vary from the latter part of March up until the end of May. The stalks of the leaves are short in length while the leaves gather around the shoots at the bottom. There is a beautiful showing of revolving leaf colors over the course of a few days. The display starts with a light pink shade, and then turning a whitish silver and finally culminating into a greenish yellow shade. As fall arrives, the leaves begin to turn brown or red. Around four months after pollination occurs, the acorns become mature.

Insect Attraction

There are pests that are attracted to white oak trees, however, the tree is so stable and resistant that that they do not cause much damage. Insecticides may be effective, if their use is necessary. Aphids leave remnants of honeydew on the leaves which can cause them to be malformed. Typically, this can be controlled by other insects who eat the aphids. Caterpillars enjoy nourishment from the white oak, but they do little damage, with the exception of the gypsy moth. Leaf miners can cause the leaves to turn brown. Lace bugs can cause the leaves to turn a grayish white shade from their drinking of the leaf juices. Twig pruners do damage by making the twigs fall off of the tree.

Diseases

There are several diseases that can affect the white oak tree, but they usually don't do much damage. Anthracnose can create concern during rainy periods. It can cause the leaves to become infected and possibly fall off the branches. It could possibly cause the less sturdy trees to die. Powdery mildew can leave a powdery substance on the leaves, but it is not serious. Shoestring rot can cause problems for the roots and it can move up the tree causing more damage. Leaf blister causes infections on the leaves that make them turn a brownish-yellow color. It tends to cause more problems during rainier times, but it does not require treatment.

Homeopathic Benefits

White oak has reputed homeopathic benefits for relieving human health issues. It may be helpful for easing gout and hemorrhoid problems, as well as addressing problems with hemorrhaging, dysentery, diarrhea, gingivitis and gum swelling. The remedy can be made by mixing white oak bark or powder that has been dried into 2 to 3 cups of hot water.

References

• Tea Benefits: White Oak Tea Benefits
• USDA Forest Service: White Oak
• Department of Agriculture Forest Service: Quercus Alba