Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Swamp White Oak, or Quercus Bicolor, can be found in swamps and in low-lying areas. Don’t let the name fool you because this impressive tree can live in many different settings outside the swamp. It is a long-living, tall, shade tree that can be enjoyed for generations after it’s planted. It can live up to three hundred years. It makes a great shade tree, and foraging animals love it for its acorns.
The Swamp White Oak has dark-green leaves 3 to 7 inches long that turn yellow-bronze and reddish purple in the fall. It yields 1 inch oblong acorns for the critters to eat. It matures at 50 to 60 feet tall and 50 to 60 feet wide with an oval shape. The Swamp White Oak prefers to be in full sunlight, but gives you plenty of shade. Despite having swamp in its name, it tolerates compacted soil, salt exposure, and drought.
Swamp White Oak Care
When you plant a Swamp White Oak tree, plan on enjoying it for a long time. Since it will become a large tree, don’t plant it under power lines or next to buildings. It prefers soil that is naturally acidic and moist. For best growth, make sure to keep the soil moist to wet, and protected with 3 inches of mulch. A tree and shrub fertilizer can be applied along the tree’s drip line to access the roots.
Swamp White Oaks are low-maintenance trees. Pruning should be done when the trees are dormant in winter or early spring. When pruning you do not want to leave a stub, but be careful not to cut into the branch collar or branch ridge bark or damage to the tree may occur. Remove lower branches to your preferred height and any dead or diseased branches.
Swamp White Oak Spacing
When placing this tree in the landscape, measure 40 feet between other trees or structures. Many things can be planted under the Swamp White Oak, but remember, it will eventually shade the area underneath. Shade-friendly plants make the best companions for this towering giant.
Swamp White Oak Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 60 - 70 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 60 - 70 Feet |
| Spacing: 60 - 70 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Dark Green Foliage With Silver Backing |
| Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Swamp White Oak |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: QUERCUS BICOLOR |
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
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 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: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, 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!