Native to North America, the mighty white oak (Quercus alba), is a strong, slow growing prizewinner for final holder of the territory in these woods.  Quite possibly the most populous tree in this park, the oak overshadows the other trees to capture the sunshine.  The oak rules, yet it supports a multitude of lesser mortals after the social struggles are over.  The unfriendly vines of poison ivy (Rhus radicans) hold the rough edges of the bark of this tree, climbing without strangling as it accepts help to find its own share of light.  The restless Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) also uses this tall deciduous tree for a ladder to the sky.  Oaks also nourish insects that in turn nourish other life.  Many birds will eat the  caterpillar of the yellow-tailed moth, who loves the leaves of the oak tree.

When white oaks grow in an open field, their trunks are shorter and the crown is often much wider than it is high.  However, in these woods, with its many neighbors, we see a tall majestic leader that adds more leaves to the canopy than below it.  The size of this tree can also be determined by the availability of ground water.  The roots that search out their supply of  water are a reflection of the top of the tree.  Try to imagine the hidden symmetry underground by visualizing a body of water at the base of the tree.  The mirror image can help you see what you are "standing on".

Some of the best hardwood in America is from the white oak.  This hard, tough wood is close-grained, making it preferred for timber, furniture, and flooring.  The white oak was also essential in ship construction for many years.  The gun deck of the U.S.S. Constitution, the famous American frigate, was made of white oak, as were the keels of many  patrol boats and mine-sweepers of World War II.  Colonists of North America also used the wood of this native species for making barrels because it held liquids well.

Since the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) was wiped by blight from North America in the first half of the 20th century, squirrels have turned to the fruit of the white oak as their favored food.  The acorns of the white oak are sweeter than those of the red or black oak because of a  low tannin con tent.  The bark, however, has a high tannin content, making  it useful in curing hides.  By shredding the bark and mixing it with water, the hides could be soaked to begin the curing process.  Some Indian tribes also used the acorn as a staple in their diet by boiling them, crushing them in water, or eating them raw.

Whether you favor the oak for its beauty, strength, lumber, or even for a childhood memory of a swing hanging from its branches, keep in mind the respect it not only deserves but also demands in order to continue to provide us with its many diverse and valuable resources.