Swamp White Oak

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is a rugged and adaptable native oak tree known for its tolerance of wet soils, strong branching, and attractive foliage. Its versatility, resilience, and wildlife benefits make it an excellent choice for both naturalistic plantings and developed landscapes where a dependable shade tree is needed.

Distinctive Features

This deciduous oak matures into a broad-canopied tree reaching 50 to 70 feet tall, with a rounded to irregular crown. Its leaves are dark green on top with silvery-white undersides, giving the canopy a two-toned appearance in summer. In fall, foliage turns rich shades of yellow and bronze. The tree produces relatively large acorns in clusters of one to three, serving as an important food source for wildlife. Its bark is gray and flaky, especially on younger branches.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Moist to wet loam or clay; tolerates periodic flooding
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate to high; prefers moist sites but adapts to drier soils once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Shade tree for parks, large lawns, or open spaces
• Restoration of lowlands, riparian corridors, or wet meadows
• Stormwater management plantings or rain gardens
• Street tree in urban settings with tolerant root systems
• Focal point in native or habitat-focused landscapes

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune in winter to encourage strong form and remove lower branches
• Mulch to preserve soil moisture and protect surface roots
• Water young trees during establishment; minimal irrigation required once mature
• Generally disease and pest resistant
• Requires little intervention beyond seasonal maintenance

Why Choose Swamp White Oak

• Tolerates heavy, poorly drained, or seasonally wet soils
• Attractive bicolor foliage and good fall color
• Provides significant wildlife value with reliable acorn production
• Strong, adaptable, and long-lived native species
• An excellent focal point for ecologically driven or low-maintenance landscapes

Swamp White Oak is a dependable native tree that combines striking foliage with site adaptability and wildlife value�making it a practical and enduring focal point for wetland edges, large yards, and habitat plantings.