White Oak
Quercus alba
White Oak (Quercus alba) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–80 ft tall and 50–80 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Develops iron chlorosis in our alkaline soils, leaves yellow with green veins, then decline.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Quercus alba
- Variety / cultivar
- White
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–80 ft tall and 50–80 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~80 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryOur alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- Critical: Soil TextureThe catch is drainage, not the dirt itself; it takes our clay only where water moves through, so avoid low spots and soggy ground.
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is White Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, White Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does White Oak get?
- It matures to about 50–80 ft tall and 50–80 ft wide.
- How much room does White Oak need?
- Give White Oak about 80 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does White Oak grow into?
- White Oak typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is White Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- White Oak is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does White Oak need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does White Oak grow?
- White Oak is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does White Oak live?
- White Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does White Oak turn in fall?
- White Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is White Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is White Oak deer-resistant?
- No. White Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is White Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- White Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
