Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree or Quercus michauxii offers multiple seasons of color and visual interest while being easy to maintain. This deciduous tree has a dense, rounded crown. The catkin flowers bloom in spring and later transition into acorns. Only mature trees produce acorns. By late spring, the tree is engulfed in green-lobed leaves. The foliage turns golden yellow or reddish-orange by fall before dropping. The light gray bark has deep furrows for added texture. Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree reaches 60 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 70 feet wide.
Native to swampy areas in the eastern U.S., this tree grows well in naturally damp areas. The Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree is a wonderful shade tree and can be used as a specimen. This variety is resistant to oak wilt and is generally healthy, although it is susceptible to common oak diseases and pests.
Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree Care
Plant Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree in full to part sun. Avoid areas with overhead utility lines. This tree prefers acidic, loamy, well-drained soil. New trees need regular water, while established trees only need water during a dry period.
Prune Swamp Chestnut Oak Trees in late winter or early spring. Remove crossed branches and shape the plant as needed. Dead or damaged growth can be removed at any time.
Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree Spacing
Space trees 80 feet from buildings, driveways, and roads and 50 feet from other trees. The thick canopy creates dappled shade, ideal for ground cover requiring limited light.
Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Part Sun (3-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 60-80 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 30-70 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Red, Yellow
- Flower Description
- Insignificant Gold, Red, Burgundy (Catkins)
- Bloom Time
- Early Spring
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Brown
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree
- Also Known As
- oak
- Botanical Name
- Quercus michauxii
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!