Species

Quercus bicolorSwamp White Oak

1 other cultivar

‘Bonnie And Mike’Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak

treeN. America Native

American Dream Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor 'American Dream'

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus bicolor is a large, long-lived deciduous tree native to the eastern and midwestern U.S. It is characterized by its two-toned leaves (dark green above, silvery-white below) and attractive, peeling bark on young branches.

'American Dream' (JFS-KW12) is a superior cultivar selected for its upright, broadly pyramidal form, dense branching, and excellent resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew. It has glossy, leathery foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

This is a noble and handsome tree, with a strong, upright form and beautiful, glossy bicolored leaves that shimmer in the wind. The peeling bark on upper branches and rugged trunk provide winter interest. Its fall color is a pleasing yellow-brown.

As a large, sturdy tree, it provides excellent shade and is a long-term investment in the landscape. Its tolerance for both wet and compacted soils makes it a reliable choice for difficult urban and suburban sites.

Oaks are a keystone species, supporting more forms of life than any other North American tree genus. The acorns are a vital food source for squirrels, deer, turkeys, and blue jays. The tree hosts hundreds of species of caterpillars, which in turn feed birds.

SpeciesQuercus bicolorSwamp White Oak

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

660 inches

Width

540 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 are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity

Bloom period

Mid-spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with room for a large tree.
It prefers acidic, moist loams but tolerates clay.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is slightly above the surrounding grade.
Backfill with native soil, watering to settle.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Though called Swamp White Oak, it performs best in average garden loam but has the unique ability to tolerate both wet soils and periods of drought.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during the establishment period.
Prune when young to encourage a strong central leader.
Allow plenty of space for its ultimate size.
Protect the trunk of young trees from mechanical damage.

Don't

Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils, which will cause severe chlorosis.
Avoid compacting the soil over the root zone with heavy equipment.
Don't plant too deeply; ensure the root flare is visible.
Avoid excessive pruning on mature trees.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic shade tree for large landscapes and parksDurable street tree tolerant of urban conditionsExcellent choice for rain gardens or low, moist areas

Companion Plants

Carex pensylvanica Asarum canadense Itea virginica Clethra alnifolia Cornus sericea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

American Dream Swamp White Oak questions

What zones can American Dream Swamp White Oak grow in?

American Dream 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 American Dream Swamp White Oak deer resistant?

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

When does American Dream Swamp White Oak bloom?

American Dream 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 American Dream Swamp White Oak need full sun?

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

Is American Dream Swamp White Oak drought tolerant?

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