treeN. America Native

Swamp White Oak

Name: Swamp White Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus bicolor

$63.64

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

720 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived (300+ years)

Native To

Eastern and Midwestern North America

Toxicity

Acorns toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, handsome deciduous tree in the white oak group, with a broad, rounded crown. Its leaves are dark, shiny green on top and silvery-white underneath, creating a two-toned (bicolor) effect in the wind. It is highly tolerant of both wet, swampy conditions and compacted urban soils, making it a durable and adaptable choice. The bark on mature trees is distinctively shaggy and exfoliating.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A handsome and rugged tree with a stately, broad form. The two-toned leaves are attractive in a breeze, and the shaggy, exfoliating bark provides excellent winter interest.

An extremely tough and adaptable tree, it tolerates wet soils, clay, and some soil compaction, making it a great choice for difficult urban and suburban sites.

As a keystone species, it supports hundreds of species of insects, particularly moth and butterfly larvae. Its acorns are a vital, high-energy food source for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and blue jays.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$63.64

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$119.95

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$193.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with acidic, moist soil
Dig a wide, shallow hole, no deeper than the root ball
Place the tree, ensuring the root flare is visible at soil level
Backfill with native soil, watering to remove air pockets
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the tree's base
Water regularly during the first few years to establish

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in high pH soils, as it is prone to iron chlorosis which causes yellowing leaves.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during prolonged dry spells, even when mature.
Prune only dead or damaged wood.
Allow ample space for its broad crown to develop.

Don't

Do not amend the backfill soil when planting.
Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soil.
Do not compact the soil over the root zone with heavy equipment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable shade tree for lawns and parksExcellent choice for rain gardens or low spotsTough and adaptable street tree

Companion Plants

Lindera benzoin Cephalanthus occidentalis Carex muskingumensis Asarum canadense

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Swamp White Oak questions

What zones can Swamp White Oak grow in?

Swamp White Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Swamp White Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Swamp White Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Swamp White Oak bloom?

Swamp White Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Swamp White Oak need full sun?

Swamp White Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Swamp White Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Swamp White Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.