Common Name: White Oak
Latin Name: Quercus alba
Address: McIntire Park
The Oaks of McIntire Park
As you cross the pedestrian bridge into McIntire Park, take a moment to admire the magnificent white oak beside the skate park building. Then follow the paved path uphill to a grove of impressive white oaks overlooking the Chamber of Commerce stone terrace. These remarkable trees are more than 150 years old and have witnessed the park’s many transformations—from farmland to golf course to the public park enjoyed today. Along with some impressive red oaks, they now stand watch over a memorial honoring the citizens of Charlottesville.
White oaks are among North America’s longest-lived trees. Most live between 200 and 300 years, although documented specimens have survived for 600 years or more.
The wood of the white oak is exceptionally strong, heavy, fine-grained, and durable. White oak heartwood is naturally resistant to water and decay and is less likely to splinter when subjected to impact. These qualities have made white oak one of the most valuable hardwoods in North America. It has long been used for furniture, flooring, paneling, barrels, fence posts, shingles, railroad ties, mine timbers, firewood, caskets, and many other practical purposes.
White oaks are also ecological powerhouses. More than 500 species of moths and butterflies depend on oaks during their life cycles—more than on any other native tree or plant. The insects that feed on oak leaves provide essential food for birds and other wildlife, while the trees’ acorns nourish a wide variety of mammals and birds. By supporting so many species, white oaks play a vital role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.