Quercus alba L. White Oak
Deciduous, native to central and eastern N. America, where the strong heavy wood has been used in shipbuilding, cabinet making, railway sleepers, cooperage and extensively as fuel. Height to 30m (100ft), sometimes more, at altitudes to 1,400m (4,500ft) but at this altitude it is a low bush. Flowers appear with the young leaves at the end of May. The acorns are 1.8cm (¾in) long, usually sessile but not always, and fall in early October. The leaves grow up to 12.5-22.5cm (5-9in) long, the upper surface is dark glossy green, the lower downy at first. When they open they are tinted a violet colour and turn deep red in autumn, often staying on the tree all winter. Z4.