 The largest of the tree species in this virgin <unk> was the white oak ( Quercus alba ) , which often exceeded 100 feet ( 30 m ) in height and 6 feet ( 1 @.@ 8 m ) in diameter . While the white oak 's range encompasses most of the Eastern United States , the most favorable environments for its growth are on the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains . According to botanist Earl <unk> Core , the species flourishes on northern mountain flanks , and in coves , which are small valleys or ravines between two ridge lines that are closed at one or both ends . White oaks also thrive in moist lowlands and in upland topography , with the exception of extremely dry ridges with shallow soil . 
