The genus Quercus is commonly referred to as oaks. Oaks are located throughout the Northern Hemisphere and can be found in both Europe and North America. Northern red oak trees (Quercus rubra) and White oak trees (Quercus alba) have ranges across New York state. Q. rubra mainly exists in mesic (moist) soil types and in well drained upland forests. The habitat for Q. alba is open upland woods. This species is a generalist, which means that it is likely to be found in a variety of habitats. Some oaks have tap roots, allowing for their success in xeric (dry) environments. Q.alba  roots may grow 4.5 meters deep. Oaks in xeric habitats also tend to have thick leaves and small stomatas. This decreases water loss during gas exchanges. Adaptations like deep roots and efficient water transportation for water stressed environments allow certain oak species like Q. alba to resist short drought periods. 

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Certain fungal pathogens in the phylum Ascomycota may infect oak trees. Apiognomonia errabunda (oak Anthracnose) effects many oaks, northern red oaks, and white oaks- the latter most severly. Anthracnose infects oaks during wet growing seasons. The fungi pathogen ruptures oak leaves in order to reproduce which creates lesions and spots on new leaf foliage. These leaves may begin to shrivel and experience stunted growth. Oak Anthracnose is aesthetically displeasing, creating large yellow-gray spots on a majority of leaves. Anthracnose often weakens its host tree, allowing for other pathogens such as stem cankering fungi to further injure its fitness.

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