Quercus bicolor
Of all the members of the White Oak family, the contrast of the leaf color from top to bottom is the most apparent and back side bleached. Thus the specific moniker “bicolor” is very much suitable. Branches grow flares of bark but as the bark matures becomes ridged and furrowed. The tree has a peeling bark that is more prevalent on younger trees.
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Mature Size | 45-60 ft tall, 50-60 ft Spread |
| Soil | Silty clay to silt, sandy loams; Dry area, poorly drained and wet; In very alkaline soils, they can become insufficient in chlorophyll resulting in pale yellow or yellow white (not to be mistaken for fall color) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Leaves | Narrowly elliptic 4-7 inches long, shallow rounded teeth; dark green above and nearly white underneath |
| Flower & Fruit | Monoecious (flowers on same sex on tree); Acorn’s oblong |
| Deer Browse Risk | Unknown |
| Benefits | Wood is light brown, close-grained, heavy and hard. It has been used for furniture, cabinets, flooring and fence posts and was a time widely used for making barrels and kegs. Important resource for much wildlife. Numerous birds and mammals use these for coverage. Acorns are sweet and provide important food for squirrels, white-tailed deer, beaver, black bears and a variety of birds including duck and turkeys. |