Quercus bicolor
Swamp White Oak
General
A majestic white oak that grows up to 80’. Swamp white oak will tolerate both seasonal flooding and drought, and its acorns are a valuable food source for many animals.
Plant Description
Swamp White Oak has a dark brown, peeling bark, and a lighter inner bark. It has large, shiny green leaves with irregular wavy edges. The acorns of this tree hang from unusually long stalks for an oak tree, up to three inches in length. In the fall, swamp white oak leaves may turn fiery oranges and reds.
Height (ft)
60-80
Spread (ft)
50-80
Soil moisture
High
Soil types
Fine to Coarse, Moist, Nutrient Rich Soils
Wetland indicator
FACW+
Shade tolerance
Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom color
Yellow
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Swamp White oak is native to the northeastern united states, in the northern southeast states, and the eastern Midwest states. Within New England, it is common in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, along the coast, and along the New York/Vermont border. It is native and rare in Maine.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, a compound decoction of the bark taken to treat broken bones, and a compound of the leaves smoked and inhaled through the nose to treat respiratory issues. The acorns have been used for food and the Iroquois used this species to "take away loneliness."