White Oak vs Sessile Oak - TreeTime.ca

White Oak vs Sessile Oak

Quercus petraea

Quercus alba

Sessile Oak
White Oak

Sessile Oak is a large, long-lived deciduous tree with a wide, rounded crown. It is an important host plant for many pollinators, especially in its native range. Its acorns serve as a valuable food source for birds and small mammals, providing strong ecological value. It differs from many oaks as the leaves grow on longer stalks, whereas the acorns are stalkless. It can live for hundreds of years, with some surviving over 1,000 years in ideal conditions. As it matures, the tree develops a rugged, gnarled structure that provides heavy shade and a distinctive appearance.

More drought-tolerant than other oaks and does not do well in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Native to Europe and is the national tree of Ireland.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

White Oak is large, long-lived tree with an irregular trunk divided into spreading, often horizontal, stout branches. A highly adaptable tree, White Oak features green acorns and beautiful green leaves that turn red-purple in the fall.

With a huge growth in bourbon and scotch over the past few decades there is an emerging shortage of white oak that is the primary tree used for cask barrels and aging.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

Sessile Oak Quick Facts

White Oak Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 56%
Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 65%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: rounded to spreading
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: young leaves and acorns toxic to humans and animals when injested

Foliage: red-pink changing to bright yellow-green
Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: dark red
Nuts: acorns
Nuts: acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: cornish oak, durmast oak, irish oak, welsh oak