swamp chestnut oak
Quercus michauxii
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size40 to 60 feet tall30 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Yellow (male) red (female)
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, gray/silver, green
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, rain gardens, and woodland settings. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its shiny leaves look like chestnut leaves and turn yellow to red in fall. It tolerates compaction better than most oaks. Deer rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with Oakleaf hydrangea, Wild ginger, and Switchgrass.
Native range
Southeastern United States.