Quercus alba
White Oak

Mature Height: 70-150'     Longevity: 800 years

2-6 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

4-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
2: Drought tolerance listed as Moderate. Literature indicates tree does not grow in the driest upland locations.

6: Flood tolerance "none-low" Most literature states mesic woods & well-drained sites. Only Reader's Digest places along riverbanks.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z4. Maybe minor presence in Z3. (SOUTH) Solid Z8.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS.

3   Sun Strength

6   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
2.5 = Slow
0 = Climax Capable
-.1 = 2 Major
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.1 = 85'
+.1 = 150'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
5 = Intermediate
+.3 = Climax Capable
-.1 = 2 Major
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.1 = 85'
+.5 = 800 years

TOTAL SCORE (2.8): Slow growing oak.

TOTAL SCORE (6.0): While only intermediate in shade tolerance, long life & ability to maintain itself under canopy for 90 years makes a 6 seem suitable.

4   Fire Strength

4   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Mid (Big Tree) = 4
All morphological traits seem well adapted to fire. Also reports in literature that tree needs disturbance such as fire to maintain its dominance in some communities. Not as adapted as pines. Equivalent to Quercus Prinus.
Final Value = 4

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Deep-rooted strong-wooded tree that frequently lives for a very long time, indicates tree is worthy of a high wind rating. 4 assigned since tree can grow to be quite tall.
Final Value = 4