Swamp White Oak

About Swamp White Oak

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is a majestic and long-lived canopy tree that brings both beauty and resilience to the landscape. Reaching heights of 50 to 60 feet (sometimes up to 80 feet) with a similar spread, it features a broad, rounded crown and distinctive peeling bark on its younger branches. Its leaves are dark, glossy green on top with a silvery-white, fuzzy underside that creates a beautiful shimmering effect in the wind. In autumn, the foliage turns a rich golden-brown or occasional reddish-purple. Native to the northeastern and north-central United States, it is typically found in lowlands, swamp edges, and moist bottomlands, yet it is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. As a member of the white oak group, its acorns are a vital food source for many wildlife species, including wood ducks, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. It also serves as a host plant for hundreds of species of butterfly and moth caterpillars. Thriving in full sun, it prefers moist, acidic soils but is remarkably adaptable to various garden conditions, making it an excellent choice for a large shade tree.