Native to the entire eastern half of the United States, is found throughout all of Ohio, in habitats ranging from dry forests and fields to mesic woodlands and down slopes. Like many members of the White Oak group, the undersides of its leaves are white-green, and its wood is a light-colored beige that is almost white when freshly cut; hence its common name.

Its canopy is more spreading that most other trees in closely-packed mature forests or in open fields, and its fall color is often reddish-brown to reddish-purple, one of the best Oaks in this regard. White Oak acorns are relatively large and often borne in great abundance. It may reach 80 feet tall by 100 feet wide at maturity, when found in the open. As the flagship member of the White Oak group and as a member of the Beech Family, it is related to the Beeches, Chestnuts, and other Oaks.

It is the most important timber tree of the White Oak group and in fact one of the most important hardwoods, with its hard, heavy, tough wood used as lumber for beams, railroad ties, flooring, barrels, furniture, and many other uses.