swamp white oak
Quercus bicolor
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size50 to 60 feet tall50 to 60 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-green
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green, white
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The leaves are glossy dark green above and white and velvety below, and they turn golden-brown to russet-red in fall. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Give it somewhat acidic soil to avoid iron chlorosis.
Pairs well with Sensitive fern, Switchgrass, Black chokeberry, and Wild bergamot.
Native range
Northeastern North America.