Quercus bicolor

Swamp White Oak

Swamp white oak is a deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. The dark, shiny green leaves are silver on the bottom side. Fall color is usually yellow, but sometimes reddish purple. Though ornamentally insignificant, flowers bloom in April attracting pollen-seeking insects that attract migrating vireos, tanagers and warblers in search of a meal. Large acorns mature in early fall providing food for deer, wild turkey, black bear, fox and gray squirrels. Indigenous to moist, bottomland locations, this oak has surprisingly good drought resistance.

Benefits:

Grows relatively fast for an oak

Pollen and emerging leaves attract a long list of pollinators and other insects

Insect-eating migrating birds visit the tree looking for pollinating insects at work

Acorns are a major food source for a variety of critters

Larval food source for many of the dusky wings and hairstreak butterflies

Will grow in low, moist areas

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in full sun.

Plant in medium to moist, acidic soil.

This is a large tree so give it plenty of room to reach full size.

Height 50-60 Feet

Spread 50-60 Feet

Native Range Swamp forests and floodplains; Maine and southern Quebec to Minnesota south to Missouri, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Native Trivia Oak species account for one-third of the hardwood timber volume in the United States. Swamp white oak is not distinguished from white oak in commercial production. It is a heavy, hard wood used for furniture, flooring, boxes, crates, barrels, kegs, ships and boats.

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

"Energy-rich acorns are an excellent food source for chipmunks."

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Deciduous Trees	Exposure • Sun	Soil • Acidic	Soil Moisture Preference • Wet • Average • Moist
Attracts Wildlife • Mammals • Songbirds • Beneficial insects • Butterflies	Bloom Time • Early Spring	Habitat Collection • Wet Sun • Songbird • Butterfly	Foliage Color • Dark Green
Uses • Drought tolerant