QUERCUS BICOLOR / SWAMP WHITE OAK

QUERCUS BICOLOR / SWAMP WHITE OAK

A Hardy Native Oak with Broad Canopy and Wet-Soil Tolerance

Quercus bicolor, commonly known as Swamp White Oak, is a large native deciduous tree valued for its adaptability, strong branching structure, and attractive two-toned foliage. Well suited to moist and seasonally wet soils, it thrives in full sun and is an excellent choice for low-lying sites, rain gardens, and large landscapes. Like other oaks, it is a keystone species, supporting a wide range of wildlife.

Why Choose Swamp White Oak?

Wet-Soil Tolerant: Performs well in moist and poorly drained sites.
High Wildlife Value: Acorns and canopy support birds, mammals, and insects.
Strong Shade Tree: Broad canopy provides excellent summer shade.
Durable & Long-Lived: Tough, resilient, and adaptable.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Glossy dark green above with silvery-white undersides; yellow to reddish fall color.
Bark Interest: Light gray, flaky bark with exfoliating plates.
Fruit: Large acorns on long stalks.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 60–80 feet tall and 50–70 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
Soil Requirements: Moist to wet soils; tolerates clay and periodic flooding.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 60–80 feet tall, 50–70 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright deciduous tree with broad, rounded crown.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8.
Flowering/Fruiting: Spring catkins; acorns mature in fall.
Fall Interest: Yellow to reddish foliage in autumn.

Ideal Uses:

Wet Sites & Low Areas: Excellent for floodplains and rain gardens.
Shade & Specimen Trees: Perfect for large yards and parks.
Wildlife & Native Plantings: Supports diverse species.
Restoration Projects: Ideal for ecological and conservation plantings.

Swamp White Oak is a resilient and ecologically important native tree. Its tolerance of wet soils, strong form, and exceptional wildlife value make it an outstanding choice for large landscapes and restoration-focused plantings.