Botanical Name:
Quercus bicolor
Family Name:
Fagaceae / oak and beech
Description:
The swamp white oak is a rapidly growing, medium sized tree, and is a common element of America’s north central and northeastern mixed forests. Despite its name, swamp white oak is surprisingly drought tolerant, and can grow in a wide range of conditions.
Size:
50 – 60′
Habitat and Range:
The swamp white oak is native across Northeastern North America. This species is generally found in moist to swampy locations, such as along streams and lakes, valleys, floodplains and at the edge of swamps.
Attributes:
The swamp white oak has leaves which are dark, shiny green above and silvery white beneath, with 5-10 rounded lobes or blunt teeth along the margins. The fall color is yellow, but sometimes reddish purple.
Wildlife Value:
Swamp white oak attracts a range of songbirds, ground birds, and water birds, as well as small mammals.
Did you Know?
• The acorns (nuts) of the swamp white oak are edible after tannins are leached or boiled out. Acorns from white oaks are much sweeter and tastier than those from red oaks.
• The botanical name of swamp white oak means “two color” referring to the strong contrast in color between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf.
Benefits to Our Community (based on carbon dioxide sequestered, storm water runoff avoided, and air pollution removed each year):
Over the next 15 years, this tree will give back $90 worth of benefits to our community.
