Species

Quercus bicolorSwamp White Oak

1 other cultivar

‘American Dream’American Dream Swamp White Oak

treeN. America Native

Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor 'Bonnie And Mike'

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus bicolor is a large, long-lived deciduous tree native to North America, known for its adaptability to wet soils, its distinctive two-toned leaves, and its attractive, peeling bark.

'Bonnie And Mike' is a cultivar selected for its tight, upright, columnar form, making it suitable for narrower spaces like street plantings or smaller residential landscapes where a standard oak would be too wide.

Uses & Benefits:

The 'Bonnie And Mike' cultivar provides strong vertical structure and formal elegance. Its textured, peeling bark adds winter interest, and the two-toned leaves create a subtle shimmer in the breeze.

Its narrow form makes it an excellent choice for urban environments, street plantings, and residential lots where a large shade tree is desired without a wide-spreading canopy. It is also a durable windbreak.

Oaks are keystone species, supporting hundreds of species of caterpillars, which are critical food for birds. The acorns feed a wide variety of wildlife, including squirrels, deer, and jays.

SpeciesQuercus bicolorSwamp White Oak

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

216 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Eastern and Midwestern North America

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with acidic, moist soil.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, watering to settle it around the roots.
Water deeply and regularly for the first two years to establish.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

Pro Tip

Though tolerant of wet soils, it performs best with good drainage. Avoid soil compaction over the root zone.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during prolonged dry spells, especially when young.
Perform structural pruning in the first few years to develop a strong framework.
Protect the trunk of young trees from mowers and string trimmers.
Allow ample space for its mature height, even with a columnar form.

Don't

Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Avoid wounding the bark, which can provide entry for pests and diseases.
Don't fertilize unless a soil test indicates a specific deficiency.
Never top the tree; it ruins its natural form and health.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Narrow shade tree for streets and avenuesVertical accent in formal landscapesDurable specimen for parks and large lawns

Companion Plants

Nyssa sylvatica Betula nigra Lindera benzoin Amelanchier canadensis Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak questions

What zones can Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak grow in?

Bonnie And Mike 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 Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak deer resistant?

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

When does Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak bloom?

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

Does Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak need full sun?

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

Is Bonnie And Mike Swamp White Oak drought tolerant?

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