White oak was used extensively in ship construction because of its strength, durability, and waterproof quailities. So important was white oak to the early colonists that extensive areas of white oak were set aside in the south to be used only through royal approval.
White oak is one of our longest lived trees.
Some, still growing, started life about the time the Mayflower reached the shores of Plymouth. The leaf is alternate and simple with 7 to 9 rounded lobes reaching nearly to the center. It is bright green above and pale below, turning a dark red or purple wine color in autumn. Sometimes leaves remain on the tree throught the winter. They make choice food for most forest wildlife species.