Stave Oak
Quercus alba
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus alba (White Oak) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America that blooms in April and May. This adaptable oak tolerates various light and moisture conditions while supporting bees and beetles as pollinators.
Stave Oak (Quercus alba) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Stave Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–480" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
White oak is a majestic native tree that develops a broad, rounded crown with distinctive lobed leaves that turn bronze to wine-red in fall. This long-lived species grows slowly but steadily, eventually becoming a substantial shade tree perfect for large properties. The sturdy trunk and well-balanced branching pattern create an classic, stately appearance.
Growing Stave Oak
Grow Stave Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Stave Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Very large mature size requires adequate space
- Acorn drop in fall may need cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for banded hairstreak, gray hairstreak, white-M hairstreak.
White oak supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths, making it one of the most valuable native trees for wildlife. It provides nesting sites for birds and produces acorns that feed squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is White Oak native to?
- White Oak is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine to northern Florida and west to Minnesota, Kansas, and eastern Texas.
- When does White Oak bloom?
- White Oak blooms in April and May, producing inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated.
- What pollinators visit White Oak?
- White Oak supports various pollinators including bees and beetles, though its flowers are primarily wind-pollinated.
- What growing conditions does White Oak prefer?
- White Oak is highly adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial sun and a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Stave Oak toxic to dogs?
- Stave Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Stave Oak toxic to cats?
- Stave Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Stave Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Stave Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Stave Oak HOA-friendly?
- Stave Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Stave Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz