As we noted in the discussion of Red Oaks in the last issue, Quercus is the Latin name for an oak tree. The White Oak's leaves typically are variable, having 5 to 11 rounded lobes as opposed to the bristled leaves of the Red Oak.
New leaves are nearly white on the undersides and they dull red or brown in autumn.
The bark is light gray and the short intersecting shallow furrows give it a scaly appearance. All oak trees of whatever species have small conspicuous flowers with both male and female flowers on the same tree. This small yellow male flower occur in hanging catkins with large numbers of flowers in each catkin. The female flower occur either singly or together in small numbers on a spike. The acorns of the White Oak have a sweeter taste than the Red Oak and are a favorite food of black bear, deer, squirrels and blue jays.