SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus bicolor

COMMON NAME: Swamp White Oak

GARDEN SIZE: 50–60 ft. tall x 50–60 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: up to 2-3 ft. per year under ideal conditions

USDA ZONE: 3–8

EXPOSURE: Full sun

WATER & SOIL: Medium to wet; grows well in average to wet, acidic soils

HABIT (FORM): Pyramidal maturing to broad, rounded crown with a short trunk

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dark green and shiny above, silvery white beneath; good fall color (yellow to reddish-purple)

FLOWERS: Insignificant; yellowish-green catkins

BLOOM TIME: April

PLANT ORIGIN: Northeastern North America

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Provides acorns for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer; valuable for habitat and cover. Oaks are one of the most important, if not the most important, host plants for local insects.

FERTILIZING: Fertilizer not recommended. If desired, you may top dress with no more than 1 inch of organic compost per season.

PRUNING: Prune in late winter to maintain structure and remove dead or damaged branches

USES: Shade tree, street tree, rain garden, lawn tree; ideal for wet ground and low spots