Connecticut State Tree: White Oak

The White Oak holds the designation of Connecticut's official state tree. This hardwood species typically grows 80 to 100 feet tall with a trunk diameter reaching three to four feet. White Oak can live for 300 to 600 years and develops a broad, rounded crown.

The tree's name comes from its distinctive whitish gray bark. Young bark shows thin scales, while older trees develop irregular blocky plates. The light bark color distinguishes White Oak from darker-barked oak species.

White Oak leaves measure five to nine inches long with seven to nine rounded lobes. Acorns mature in a single growing season, ripening from July through September. Each acorn measures about three-quarters of an inch long.

The common name is White Oak. The scientific name is Quercus alba, meaning 'white oak' in Latin. The species name alba refers to the light-colored bark.

The Charter Oak was the specific White Oak tree that made the species famous. This tree stood on Wyllys Hill in Hartford from the 12th or 13th century until August 21, 1856. People estimated it was over 500 years old when a storm knocked it down.

Connecticut made official the White Oak as its state tree on April 16, 1947. Representative Edgerton introduced House Bill No. 688. The Connecticut Tree Protective Association lobbied for the legislation. The House approved it March 11, Senate approved March 18, and Governor James L. McConaughy signed it 29 days later.

The White Oak earned this designation because of the Charter Oak's legendary role. On October 31, 1687, Sir Edmund Andros demanded Connecticut return its Royal Charter of 1662. King James II wanted to revoke colonial charters and consolidate control. During the meeting, all candles suddenly went out. Captain Joseph Wadsworth seized the charter and hid it inside the hollow White Oak on the Wyllys estate.

This act of resistance defined colonial courage against British authority. The Charter Oak stood as a symbol of independence for 170 more years. When it fell during a storm in 1856, residents collected acorns and wood. People planted Charter Oak offspring throughout Connecticut. The timber became furniture in Connecticut's State Capitol, including the governor's desk and legislative chairs.

Connecticut's state flower is the Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), designated on April 17, 1907. More than 3,000 women petitioned the legislature, sending sprigs to lawmakers' desks. The pink and white flowering shrub blooms from late May through June. Both symbols are native to Connecticut and represent the state's natural heritage.

White Oak bark provides the clearest identification. The whitish gray or ash gray color stands out. Young bark shows small scales. Mature bark develops blocky patterns with deep furrows.

The leaves have rounded lobes. Count seven to nine lobes per leaf with rounded tips. Leaves turn brown or wine-red in fall. White Oak grows with a massive trunk and spreading crown. The appearance conveys strength and permanence.

The White Oak symbolizes independence and resistance to tyranny. The Charter Oak story represents colonial courage in defying British authority. Its hollow trunk protecting the charter demonstrates that freedom requires both bold action and secure foundations. Charter Oak offspring planted across Connecticut serve as living monuments to founding principles of self-governance.