It is found on sandy plains, gravelly ridges, rich uplands, and well-drained loamy soils. Sites that best favor white oak are north and east facing slopes. Moderately dry slopes and ridges are also good sites. Wetter, mesophytic sites yield somewhat larger oaks than the drier west and south facing slopes, but these drier slopes usually support a greater abundance of oaks. White oak seldom grows higher than 500 feet above sea-level in Wisconsin.
Acorns germinate in the fall after dropping.
Germination is favored at soil temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. Seedling establishment is best on loose soil where the radicle can penetrate into the soil. A layer of humus is important because is supports the acorn and keeps the soil surface loose. White oak seedlings that are established at the time of canopy removal often develop too slowly to become a major component of the new stand. Seedlings of white oak should be several feet tall at time of final canopy removal to better insure them a place in the new canopy structure.