The White Oak holds a special place in Maryland’s natural and historical identity, officially recognized as the state tree for more than eight decades.
According to the Maryland State Archives, Maryland designated the White Oak (Quercus alba) as its official state tree in 1941, through Chapter 731 of the Acts of 1941. The decision honored a tree species that is both widespread across the state and deeply tied to Maryland’s history. The most famous example of the species was the Wye Oak in Wye Mills, once considered one of the oldest and largest white oaks in the country before it fell in 2002.
Named for its pale, whitish bark and gray twigs, the white oak is known for its strength, longevity, and slow growth. These trees commonly reach 60 to 150 feet in height and can grow three to four feet in diameter. Their glossy, bright green leaves feature five to seven rounded lobes, a defining characteristic of the species. White oaks are found throughout Maryland, thriving in forests, parks, and open landscapes across the state…