Swamp White Oak---Quercus bicolor
The Swamp White Oak possesses a range of valuable characteristics both within its native habitat and when planted within an ornamental setting. Some of its more noteworthy characteristics include:
- The Swamp White Oak matures to majestic proportions in height and width—it routinely grows to 50’ to 60’ in height with an equal or wider spread.
- The form of the Swamp White Oak is distinctly “rounded” at maturity.
- In nature, the Swamp White Oak is frequently found in moist environments—but wet locations are not required when used as an ornamental.
- The Swamp White Oak can also thrive in average soils and is actually quite drought resistant. It does like acidic soil conditions, which are common in Media.
- The leaves of the Swamp White Oak feature rounded “lobes” along their edge—similar in appearance to the leaves of the White Oak (Quercus alba).
- Oaks generally provide more food for native animals than any other tree species. Like the White Oak, its acorns are also relatively sweet and are heavily favored by white-tailed deer.
- The Swamp White Oak is very tolerant of cold winter temperatures and grows natively from Quebec to Georgia and west to Arkansas.
Due to its large size at maturity and propensity to produce heavy crops of acorns, the Swamp White Oak is best planted in a yard space with plenty of room, where its presence is not inhibited by sidewalks, concrete curbing and overhead electrical wires.