Source: Eastern USA (especially Central States) and through Appalachian region. From light brown with a greyish tinge in the heartwood to shades of ochre in the sapwood. White oak is more pronounced and longer rays than red oak, and more frequently rift-sawn for the comb-grain, pin striped figure than red oak. Exceptional stable uses: White Oak is specially suitable for water-tight containers (barrel staves) and where water resistance is required; tannic acid in the wood protects it from fungi and insects. Nearly all common uses of hardwoods, and especially popular where strength and durability are required; for water-tight or water-resistant purposes. Red Oak and White Oak, the two leading American species, are very similar.