Quercus bicolor

Common Names

Swamp White Oak, Swamp Oak

Summary

Swamp White Oak is a native North American tree with a broad, rounded crown that typically grows 50–70 ft tall and wide. Leaves are alternate and simple, obovate to elliptic, 4–7 in long and 2–5 in wide, with dark green upper surfaces and pale white undersides; fall color ranges from copper to red to yellow; bark is deeply ridged and dark brown; acorns are 0.5–1 in long on long stalks.

Grows best in full sun to partial shade, on moist to wet acidic soils, tolerating clay, loam, or sand in USDA zones 4–8; growth rate is medium. Used as a shade tree, specimen, or street tree, it is suitable for parking-lot islands, large lawn plantings, wetlands restoration, and wildlife habitat planting; it has high wildlife value with acorns used by various animals. Pests and diseases include anthracnose, canker, powdery mildew, oak wilt; leaf spots are usually harmless; propagation by seed; transplanting can be challenging; maintenance is relatively low.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

50-60 feet

Spread

50-60 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, acidic soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist soils.

Soil pH

4.5–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green on the upper surface; pale whitish to silvery-white beneath.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate; typically 1–2 ft per year in youth, slowing with age.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds (acorns), Cuttings, Seedling sprouts, Stump sprouts

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies