White oak (right) growing together with black oak. We have a chance to compare representatives of the two subgenera of the North American oaks. Leaf lobes are rounded in white oak; pointed, with bristle-tipped acute lobes in black oak. White-oak leaves are bright green, smooth at touch, though not shiny. Black-oak leaves are darker. They are shiny, though at the same time feel scabrous when you touch them.