White oak is a native species but it naturally only occurs in Far North Queensland. It’s a big tree so hasn’t been widely planted in gardens. In areas where it has been planted it has seeded well and is now displacing native bush. A good example is along Beckmans Road, Noosaville. The map below shows where new seedlings are growing (yellow dots) and where the mature trees can be found (red dots). The new infestation could also be from parent trees growing in Foxtail Rise, Doonan where an established population is growing.
A local alternative to White Oak is the Silky Oak, Grevillea robusta. This is also a big tree that has just finished putting on a great display of golden yellow flowers. It’s naturally found in our region and is also common in the Hinterland. It feeds a wide range of fauna and provides good shade. Be careful to keep it away from houses and buildings as the roots will grow towards moisture and into pipes and drains. The comparison photo below shows the leaves of the Silky Oak on the left and the White Oak on the right. The single leaf in the second photo was taken from a White Oak seedling and they are less lobed as they mature.
Common name: White Oak
Scientific name: Grevillea baileyana
Native to: Far North Queensland
Family: Proteaceae
Habit: Tree 10m to 30m
Flowers: White or cream
Fruit: Small, green to brown
Dispersal method: Paper seed
Control measures: Cut and paint
For more info:
White Oak (brisbane.qld.gov.au)
Michelle Newall
