Trees

Quercus bicolor

Swamp white oak

Swamp white oak. Small form.

A broad-crowned native oak with rounded leaf lobes and pale undersides that show in the breeze. Its acorns support wildlife, and its tolerance of periodically wet ground makes it useful where some other shade trees struggle. Leave room for a large, long-lived canopy.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 50 ft.–60 ft. · Width: 50 ft.–60 ft.
Water: Moist to wet soil; tolerates seasonal flooding and drier summers once established
Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8

Sizes & prices

#3$64.99
#7Swamp White Oak$124.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Shade tree; Ornamental specimen
Form: Open; Rounded; Spreading
Growth rate: Medium
Fruit / litter: Acorns; allow for seasonal nut and leaf cleanup
Major issues: Oak wilt and other regional oak diseases warrant monitoring; avoid unnecessary root or trunk wounds.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Listed as resistant; protect young trees from browsing and antler rubbing.
Drought: Tolerant once established; water during establishment and prolonged dry spells.
Wet soil: Tolerates seasonally wet ground and spring flooding; not a claim of permanent submersion.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Butterflies and moths
Wildlife food: Nuts for birds

Native range

Native range / parentage: Native to Kentucky and much of eastern and central North America Species native to Kentucky.
Tristate native status: Native to Kentucky and much of eastern and central North America

Keep in mind: Acorns and foliage can harm grazing livestock, especially horses; keep animals from consuming them.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous

Growing & care

Pruning: Prune in the cold dormant season and follow local oak-wilt advisories; avoid spring and early-summer wounds.
Soil: Prefers moist to wet acidic soil; tolerates spring flooding and adapts to drier summer conditions. Avoid compacting the root zone.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

publications.ca.uky.edu

www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov

Photo: Bruce Kirchoff · CC BY 2.0

Image notes: Swamp white oak. Small form. Resized and converted to WebP.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.