First oak tree to your left as you enter the parking lot south of Ross Hall. (Growing beside the northern red oak, Q. rubra.)
The white oak is native
to the eastern US from southern Canada to northern Florida. In Iowa, it
is native as far west as the Cedar, Raccoon and Nodaway rivers; it also
grows in the north-central (Pilot Knob) areas of the state. This tree tolerates
a wide range of soils but prefers rich, deep, well-drained, loamy soils.
The white oak is the most important timber species in the US as the wood
is strong, hard, durable and widely available. The acorns are edible and
sweet after boiling. This is one of the most beautiful landscape
trees. Although sensitive to root disturbance, it casts a dense shade, is
attractive in winter, and has stout branches which are not susceptible to
wind damage.
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