In the forest it can reach a magnificent height and in the open it develops into a massive broad-topped tree with large branches striking out at wide angles.

[5] Quercus alba typically reaches heights of 24 to 30 metres (80–100 feet) at maturity, and its canopy can become quite massive as its lower branches are apt to extend far out laterally, parallel to the ground.

[6] It is not unusual for the crown spread of a white oak tree to be as wide as it is tall, but specimens growing at high altitudes may only become small shrubs.

[7] According to Chris Bolgiano in The Appalachian Forest: A Search for Roots and Renewal, the largest tree ever cut in West Virginia was a white oak that measured thirteen feet thick at its base.

As the acorns are prime food for insects and other animals, all may be consumed in years of small crops, leaving none that would become new trees.

The petioles are short, and the clustered leaves close to the ends of the shoots are pale green and downy, resulting in the entire tree having a misty, frosty look.

This condition continues for several days, passing through the opalescent changes of soft pink, silvery white, and finally, yellow green.

[17][18] Frequent fires in the Central Plains region of the United States prevented oak forests, including Q. alba, from expanding into the Midwest.

[19] Quercus alba is cultivated as an ornamental tree somewhat infrequently due to its slow growth and ultimately huge size.

It is not tolerant of urban pollution and road salt and due to its large taproot, is unsuited for a street tree or parking strips/islands.

[20] They are also a valuable wildlife food, notably for turkeys, wood ducks, pheasants, grackles, jays, nuthatches, thrushes, woodpeckers, rabbits, squirrels, and deer.

[21] White oak has tyloses that give the wood a closed cellular structure, making it water- and rot-resistant.

White Oak has a mellower timbre than more traditionally used maple, and yet still has enough power and projection to not require a metal tone ring.

[27] White oak has served as the official state tree of Illinois after selection by a vote of school children.

[28] There are two "official" white oaks serving as state trees, one located on the grounds of the governor's mansion, and the other in a schoolyard in the town of Rochelle.

[31][32] The video game Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth features a character named Quercus Alba who bears some resemblance to the white oak and plants in general.