The white oak is a common hardwood tree in the eastern part of North America. The bark is not actually white, but a light gray. A mature white oak can grow to about 100 feet and can grow very wide.  Maturity occurs around 20 years, but large amounts of acorns are not produced until the tree is about 50 years of age. Flowers appear in May when leaves are one-third grown. White oaks can become very old, up to 300 years or more. The oak tree is often used as an ornamental tree. The commercial value of white oak is similar to red oak for furniture building, flooring, and cabinets, and since white oak is water- and rot-resistant, the wood is a prime candidate for barrels used in making wine and whiskey. In addition, because of its high density, strength, and low chance of splintering, the wood is used for Japanese weapons.