White oaks, giants of the eastern woodlands, once grew to 150 feet in height with trunks 8 feet across, and some lived to be 600 years old or more. Native Americans, as well as early pioneers, ground white oak acorns into flour, which was baked into nutritious bread. Squirrels, deer, turkeys, and other wildlife also favor the acorns. The white oak occurs naturally in every county in Illinois.