From Birds and Blooms · Rachel Maidl · · 1m
White Oak vs Red Oak Tree Differences
How to tell white oak from red oak: leaf shape, size, fall color and wildlife benefits.
In brief
How to tell white oak from red oak: leaf shape, size, fall color and wildlife benefits. White oak trees have deeply lobed leaves with round edges and drop acorns before red oaks, which have shallower lobes and more reliable acorn production. Originally reported by Birds and Blooms.
White Oak Tree
White oak trees grow up to 80 feet tall with rounded canopies and deeply lobed leaves with round edges.
Red Oak Tree
Red oak trees reach 75 feet with bushy canopies and leaves that have shallower lobes and sharp tips.
Leaf Differences
White oak leaves are shiny and dark green on top, pale underneath; red oak leaves have shallower lobes and sharp tips.
Acorn Differences
White oak acorns take months to grow with deep bumpy caps; red oak acorns mature in two years with shallow pointed scales.
Wildlife Benefits
Both oaks attract native wildlife, including butterflies, moths, songbirds, and deer, turkeys, and small mammals.
What matters most
White oak trees have deeply lobed leaves with round edges and drop acorns before red oaks, which have shallower lobes and more reliable acorn production.
