Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak)

Despite its wetland-associated name, swamp white oak is genuinely drought tolerant once established and thrives on upland sites too - while serving as a documented host to hundreds of moth and butterfly species, including hairstreaks, duskywings, and the spectacular cecropia and imperial moths.

Species Overview

Quercus bicolor, or swamp white oak, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to wetlands and floodplains in the eastern and midwestern United States, typically growing 50 to 70 feet tall. Its leaves are dark, shiny green above and silvery white beneath, producing the striking two-tone effect for which the species is named, with acorns borne in pairs on long stalks.

Application

• Wetland, floodplain, and riverbank restoration
• Urban plantings - confirmed tolerant of compacted soils and pollutants
• Larval host habitat for hairstreaks, duskywings, and cecropia/imperial/clymene moths
• Upland restoration - genuinely drought tolerant despite the "swamp" name

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Average, moist, well-drained, or occasionally wet acidic soils
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - IMPORTANT - genuine nuance across sources: this species tolerates seasonal/periodic flooding well, often found on sites flooded in spring but dry in summer, and is a common component of bottomland forests that flood regularly - but it is explicitly documented as NOT tolerating permanent flooding or prolonged growing-season saturation. One tree-selection guide even lists it among species that can be damaged by just a few days of constant soaking during the growing season, which at first glance seems to conflict with its well-documented bottomland habitat, but is consistent with its "seasonal, not permanent" flooding pattern once the dormant-vs-growing-season distinction is accounted for.
• Plant Type: Tree
• Mature Height: 50-80 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACW - not confirmed AGCP-specific, see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Deep (24-36 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Rounded
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Prefers occasionally saturated rather than continually flooded soil despite its common name. Can develop chlorosis in high-pH urban soils, particularly when transplanted near concrete or asphalt.