Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Deciduous Tree
Plant Family: Fagaceae
Plant Description: A medium-sized deciduous tree, the swamp white oak is native to the swamps and lowlands of the eastern United States. The leaves are distinctly lobed and shiny green on top and silvery-white underneath. Fall color is usually yellow but can be a purple-red. Acorns mature in the fall. It prefers moist acidic soils but has shown some adaptability to drought. It may exhibit chlorosis in alkaline soils which requires the application of chelated iron. In our garden, we have planted them in a constantly soggy soil in a bio-swale area where other, more drought-tolerant trees have died.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Tree - Deciduous
Plant Care: Tree - Deciduous (single-stemmed woody plants that lose their leaves every winter): Prune regularly to promote health, provide air circulation, maintain a desirable shape, and to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most trees. With spring blooming trees, prune after the blooms are spent. Choose species that are resistant to pest damage. Monitor the tree for pests, diseases or other ailments on a regular basis. Protect the trunk especially where maintenance activities, such as mowing, may cause damage. Newly planted trees in areas with high exposure should have the trunk protected during the winter.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 50-60' tall and wide
Utah Native: No
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: No
Localscapes: Tree, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Yellow, Green, Inconspicuous
Bloom Seasons: Spring
Bloom Period: Apr - Apr

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     High (1/2" more than once per week)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Unknown

Garden Location:

  • Commercial Concepts
    • South Property Line
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter