White oak

Quercus alba L.

Family: Fagaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

leaves, acorns (seeds)

Preparation

none: ornamental plant, no eating information given

Hazard type

NC State: low severity poison characteristics

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA's oak page is whole-genus and names horses; it does not give a dog or cat verdict for this species. NC State's page lists low-severity poison characteristics for leaves and acorns. No all-clear is given; treat this plant as unchecked for pets.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Quercus alba L., not on the common name.. Many oaks are called 'white oak' (swamp white oak is Quercus bicolor, a different species with its own record). ASPCA's oak entry is whole-genus.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 9b (NC State). UGA: whole state of Georgia.
Water needs: moist to occasionally dry; drought-tolerant once established
Mature size: unit: ft; scope: species, NC State figures; UConn says 50-80 ft tall, UGA says 60-100 ft tall and 40-60 ft spread
Where it comes from: NC State: southeastern Canada to central and eastern United States (native in 35 US states and Ontario and Quebec).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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