ite Oak. (Quercus alba.)]

WHITE OAK (_Quercus alba_)

Distinguishing characters: The massive ramification of its branches is
characteristic of this species and often an easy clue to its
identification. The *bark* has a *light gray color*--lighter than
that of the other oaks--and breaks into soft, loose flakes as in
Fig. 58. The *leaves are deeply lobed* as in Fig. 57. The *buds are
small, round and congested* at the end of the year's growth. The
acorns usually have no stalks and are set in shallow, rough cups.
The kernels of the acorns are white and palatable.

Form and size: The white oak grows into a large tree with a
wide-spreading, massive crown, dissolving into long, heavy, twisted
branches. When grown in the open it possesses a short sturdy trunk;
in the forest its trunk is tall and stout.

Range: Eastern North America.

[Illustration: FIG. 58.--Bark of White Oak. (Quercus alba.)]

Soil and location: The white oak thrives in almost any well-drained,
good, deep soil except in a very cold and wet soil. It requires
plenty of light and attains great age.

Enemies: The tree is comparatively free from insects and disease except
in districts where the Gipsy moth is common, in which case the
leaves of the white oak are a favorite food of its caterpillars.

[Illustration: FIG. 59.--Bark of Black Oak. (Quercus velutina).]

Value for planting: The white oak is one of the most stately trees. Its
massive form and its longevity make the tree suitable for both lawn
and woodland planting but it is not used much because it is
difficult to transplant and grows rather slowly.

Commercial value: The wood is of great economic importance. It is heavy,
hard, strong and durable and is used in cooperage, construction
work, interior finish of buildings and for railroad ties, furniture,
agricultural implements and fuel.

Comparisons: The _swamp white oak_ (_Quercus platanoides_) is similar to
the white oak in general appearance of the bark and form and is
therefore liable to be confused with it. It differs from the white
oak, however, in possessing a more straggly habit and in the fact
that the bark on the under side of its branches shags in loose,
large scales. Its buds are smaller, lighter colored and more downy
and its acorns are more pointed and with cups more shallow than
those of the white oak. The tree also grows