Quercus alba (Fr: chêne blanc | En: White oak)

Description: 

The white oak is a rare but majestic tree in our region, at the edge of its range its generally found in fairly close to the Ottawa River. 

The white oak has some of the most valuable wood of any of our trees, having waterproof properties it was used over harvested to make oak barrels and in ship building among a myriad of other uses. Indeed it was the first species of tree targeted during the lumber boom on the Ottawa Valley.

Its importance to wildlife cannot be overstated. It supports a huge array of insects including many moths and butterflies. Its acorns also supporting many birds and small mammals. Its acorns can be processed into flour and are "sweeter" requiring far less processing than the more astringent red oak (Quercus rubra)

One additional reason for the tree becoming rare is that it is quite fire dependant and can only become a dominant tree in a forest that has had frequent fires. 

This tree is also long lived and can easily live to 300 or 400 years, so consider planting one of these both to help repopulate the valley and so that future generations can admire the majesty of this mighty oak. 

Height: 20-30 metres

Habitat: open woodlands

Sun requirements: full sun

Moisture requirements: moderate

Soil requirements: various