Swamp White Oak is a large, long-lived native tree prized for its two-toned leaves and distinctive peeling bark. The glossy dark green upper leaf surfaces contrast beautifully with silvery-white undersides, creating a shimmering effect in the breeze. In fall, the foliage turns rich shades of orange, gold, and russet, adding striking seasonal color. Native to Michigan and much of the Midwest, this oak provides habitat and food for birds, deer, and small mammals, making it one of the most ecologically valuable trees for supporting wildlife. Its strong wood and tolerance for moist soils make it ideal for parks, large yards, and naturalized landscapes.
It also produces acorns which, with proper preparation are edible to humans and can be added to bread and muffin batters. The wood of Swamp White Oaks is hard and used for lumber.
Requirements: Light: Full sun Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Key Features:
Mature Size: 50–60 feet tall × 50–60 feet wide (Do not plant under powerlines)
Wildlife Value: Acorns feed birds, deer, and small mammals; supports many native moth and butterfly species
Plant Care: Swamp White Oak is one of the easiest oaks to transplant and thrives in full sun and moist soils. It tolerates occasional drought, clay, and road salt, as well as temporary flooding. Avoid planting in high pH soils to prevent leaf chlorosis. Prune during the dormant season to reduce the risk of oak wilt.
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds Friday, April 10, 2025 9AM to 6PM Saturday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 11AM
Bundle Size:
Size: 18-24"
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Swamp White Oak is a large, long-lived native tree prized for its two-toned leaves and distinctive peeling bark. The glossy dark green upper leaf surfaces contrast beautifully with silvery-white undersides, creating a shimmering effect in the breeze. In fall, the foliage turns rich shades of orange, gold, and russet, adding striking seasonal color. Native to Michigan and much of the Midwest, this oak provides habitat and food for birds, deer, and small mammals, making it one of the most ecologically valuable trees for supporting wildlife. Its strong wood and tolerance for moist soils make it ideal for parks, large yards, and naturalized landscapes.
It also produces acorns which, with proper preparation are edible to humans and can be added to bread and muffin batters. The wood of Swamp White Oaks is hard and used for lumber.
Requirements: Light: Full sun Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Key Features:
Mature Size: 50–60 feet tall × 50–60 feet wide (Do not plant under powerlines)
Wildlife Value: Acorns feed birds, deer, and small mammals; supports many native moth and butterfly species
Plant Care: Swamp White Oak is one of the easiest oaks to transplant and thrives in full sun and moist soils. It tolerates occasional drought, clay, and road salt, as well as temporary flooding. Avoid planting in high pH soils to prevent leaf chlorosis. Prune during the dormant season to reduce the risk of oak wilt.
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds Friday, April 10, 2025 9AM to 6PM Saturday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 11AM
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