~From Roots to Shoots~
Think Trees! White Oaks Through the Ages
The White Oak tree (Quercus alba) is native to the Northeastern region of the United States. They are one of the longest living trees in Pennsylvania and can live to be 400 years old. When comparing other oak species to the White Oak, the White Oak is considered the king of kings. White Oaks get their name from the whitish color of the underside of their leaves, setting them apart from other oak trees. When the seasons change the White Oak’s leaves will change to a striking red and or deep burgundy.
Trees in general provide us with daily benefits. White Oak trees provide wildlife with acorns for food and they leave us in wonder and awe every fall with their dazzling colorful leaves. When left alone and not crowded by other trees, the White Oak develops a very large and round canopy which is visually stunning and attractive throughout the seasons. Besides all of the positive attributes that White Oaks provide, when they are reborn again into furniture, flooring, and ship building, their quality wood grain can seemingly last forever.
Did you know...
Your favorite wine and whiskey ages in barrels made from White Oaks. The wood contains a microscopic tissue called tyloses which clogs up the dead cell structure, stopping water movement through the wood. This naturally occurring characteristic is ideal for barrel construction. This unique quality of white oak wood allows for small amounts of oxygen to enter the barrel, which helps in the aging process of wine and spirits.
White oak was also used to build the USS Constitution in 1794. Thanks to the lumber’s incredible durability, it is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.