White Oak tree

Quercus alba

An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus (Latin for "oak tree") of the beech family, Fagaceae. There are approximately 600 species of oaks. The genus Quercus is native to the Northern Hemisphere, extending from cool temperate to tropical latitudes in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

Oak planking was common on high status Viking longships in the 9th and 10th centuries. Wide, quarter-sawn boards of oak have been prized since the Middle Ages for use in interior panelling of prestigious buildings such as the debating chamber of the House of Commons in London and in the construction of fine furniture. Oak wood was used in Europe for the construction of ships, especially for war. Today oak wood is still commonly used for furniture, flooring and timber frame buildings.

Barrels for aging wines, sherry, and spirits such as brandy, Irish whiskey, Scotch whisky and Bourbon whiskey, are made from European and American oak. The use of oak in wine can add gustatory dimensions depending on the type of oak. Oak barrels, which may be charred before use, contribute to the colour, taste, and aroma of their potable contents, imparting a desirable oaky vanillin flavour. A dilemma for wine producers is to choose between French and American oakwoods. French oaks give greater refinement, and are chosen for the most expensive wines; while American oak gives greater texture and resistance to ageing, but produces more powerful bouquet. The bark of the cork oak is used to produce wine corks. Oak wood chips are also used for smoking fish, meat, cheeses, and other foods.

The bark of the white oak is dried and used in medical preparations. Oak bark is also rich in tannin, and is used for tanning leather. Acorns are used for making flour or roasted for acorn coffee. Oak galls were used for centuries as a main ingredient in iron gall ink for manuscripts.