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Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor

  • Silvery-Backed Leaves Shimmer in Sunlight While Thriving in Wet or Dry Soils
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
  • Grows 50-60 ft Tall and Wide
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
  • Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Regular price $6364
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Outside your zone (): not guaranteed Why

Rated for zones 4 to 8. Great in a pot brought indoors for winter, or as an annual.

Houseplant: grows indoors in any zone
Will it grow in your garden?

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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Drought resistant, Non-invasive, Flowering, Fragrant, Fast-growing, Evergreen, Disease resistant, Groundcover, Self-pollinating
Hardiness Zone 4a to 8b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 50-60 ft
Width 50-60 ft
Watering Needs High
Preferred Soil Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate Fast
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Green
Native Yes
Native To Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
+20 moreshow less
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Oak
Botanical Name Quercus bicolor
Species bicolor
Class Fagales
Does Not Ship To AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
A
Anonymous (United States)
Swamp white oak

Trees arrived healthy and are doing well.

Swamp White Oak is a great long-term investment in a landscape, and it sounds like yours are off to a solid start. As they settle in over the next season or two, you should start to see some real vigor. Thanks for the update, Matt.

R
Robert (United States)
excellent condition

The trees came in excellent condition and are doing well.

Swamp White Oak establishes well when it arrives in good shape, so it is great to hear yours are off to a strong start. They can be slow to show new growth in the first season while roots settle in, so just keep them watered through any dry spells this year. Thanks for sharing the update, Robert.

D
Deana
Colors

Our white swamp oak just wows us with its colors and unique bark. The fall is our favorite season with this tree since we get to enjoy all the yellow and orange leaf colors.

Hi Deana,

Thank you so much for sharing your delightful experience with your Swamp White Oak! We absolutely love hearing how the vibrant yellow and orange hues bring beauty and joy to your fall season—it truly is one of the most magical times to enjoy this gorgeous tree. The unique texture of its bark adds such character as well, making it a wonderful specimen year-round.

If you’d like to keep your tree thriving and maintain that stunning color display, be sure to provide consistent watering during dry spells and consider mulching around the base to help retain moisture. You can also check out our online resources on deep-root watering and soil nutrition for oaks to support healthy growth.

Thank you again for taking the time to leave your feedback—we’re so glad this tree is such a special part of your garden!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

A
Alan
Mature Form

We have this tree in our back yard and I love the shape it is. It is so bold and beautiful all summer and fall. The fact that it is a long living tree, I hope it continues to give us its wonderful shade for years to come.

Hi Alan,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Swamp White Oak! We're delighted to hear that you love its bold and beautiful shape throughout the summer and fall. These majestic trees truly are special, and it’s wonderful that you have enjoyed the welcoming shade it provides. Since the Swamp White Oak is known for its longevity and adaptability, it should indeed continue to be a lovely fixture in your backyard for many years to come.

To help keep your oak thriving, just a friendly reminder: watering young trees deeply during dry spells and mulching around the base (while keeping mulch a few inches from the trunk) can really promote strong root growth. Additionally, keeping an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases ensures early attention if needed. If you ever need more tailored tips or support, don’t hesitate to reach out or check our online plant care guides—they’re filled with helpful advice.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

A
Alan
Mature Form

We have this tree in our back yard and I love the shape it is. It is so bold and beautiful all summer and fall. The fact that it is a long living tree, I hope it continues to give us its wonderful shade for years to come.

Hi Alan,

Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation for your Swamp White Oak! We’re thrilled to hear that its bold and beautiful shape brings so much joy to your backyard throughout the seasons. The Swamp White Oak truly is a majestic and enduring tree, and with proper care, it can bless your outdoor space with wonderful shade for generations to come.

To ensure it remains healthy and thriving, remember to water it deeply during dry spells, especially in its early years, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Also, keeping an eye out for any common pests or diseases will help keep your oak healthy over the long term.

If you ever want more tips on oak care or inspired by other shade trees for additional layering in your landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support you!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Jane
Shade tree

Growing over 50 feet in our backyard, this tree has brought us such comfort with its colors, acorns, and shade. Our soil is not the best but it seems to thrive and remain healthy. Just love it!

Dear Jane,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Swamp White Oak! We’re truly delighted to hear that it’s thriving in your backyard, even with less-than-ideal soil conditions. These majestic trees do have a remarkable ability to adapt and provide such comforting shade and beauty as they grow tall—over 50 feet is seriously impressive!

If you ever want to help it flourish even more, amending the soil with organic compost or mulch might enhance that health and vibrancy you’re enjoying now. And keep an eye out come fall—the brilliant leaf colors combined with those signature acorns certainly make it a standout centerpiece.

It’s always inspiring to know our plants are bringing joy and life to your outdoor space. Thank you again for choosing Nature Hills and sharing your lovely story.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

J
Jane
Shade tree

Growing over 50 feet in our backyard, this tree has brought us such comfort with its colors, acorns, and shade. Our soil is not the best but it seems to thrive and remain healthy. Just love it!

Dear Jane,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Swamp White Oak! We’re thrilled to hear that it has grown so impressively and is providing you with comfort, shade, and those delightful acorns. It’s especially encouraging to know that your tree is thriving despite less-than-ideal soil conditions—that speaks to your great care and the adaptability of this remarkable species.

If you ever want to give your oak an extra boost, studies show that adding organic mulch and ensuring proper watering during dry periods can help maintain its health and vibrant color. Since your soil isn't the best, periodically testing and amending it with compost or balanced fertilizer could further support your tree's growth.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have questions about your oak or any other plants in your yard. We’re always happy to help you keep your garden flourishing!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

D
Deana
Colors

Our white swamp oak just wows us with its colors and unique bark. The fall is our favorite season with this tree since we get to enjoy all the yellow and orange leaf colors.

Dear Deana,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Swamp White Oak! We’re thrilled to hear that its vibrant fall colors and distinctive bark have brought such joy to your outdoor space. There’s truly something magical about watching those yellows and oranges transform the landscape as the seasons change.

If you’re looking for tips to keep your oak thriving year-round, we recommend mulching the root zone in fall to retain moisture gently through winter, and monitoring for any signs of pests or disease in spring. Our care guides offer great insights tailored to each season to help you enjoy that tree for many years to come.

We appreciate you taking the time to celebrate your tree’s beauty with us,

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

A
Allen
Mighty Oak

Love Oak Trees! Added the Post Oak for its shape and fall color. It's strong and impressive.

B
Bobbie
Swamp White Oak

This tree shades my house really well.

Hi Bobbie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Swamp White Oak! We’re delighted to hear that it’s providing generous shade for your home—that’s one of the many wonderful benefits of this sturdy and adaptable tree. If you ever want tips on how to keep it thriving or advice on other shade trees to complement your yard, feel free to reach out. We’re here to make sure your landscape continues to grow beautifully year after year.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

B
Bobbie
Swamp White Oak

This tree shades my house really well.

Hello Bobbie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Swamp White Oak! We’re delighted to hear it’s providing wonderful shade for your house. Swamp White Oaks are such fantastic trees—not only for their shade but also for their beautiful foliage and adaptability to different soil types.

If you ever have questions about care or want to explore companion plants that thrive under or near your oak, don’t hesitate to reach out. Mulching and regular watering during dry spells can really help keep your tree healthy and vibrant for years to come.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

O
Old
Shade

We purchased a house that had a Swamp White Oak in the back yard. It is getting huge and it creates a lot of dense shade. Good for an old guy to have a shady place to sit.

Hi Old Hank,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Swamp White Oak! It’s wonderful to hear that this majestic tree is providing a cool, shady retreat for you to enjoy in your backyard — the perfect spot to relax and soak in nature. These oaks are known for their impressive size and dense canopy, so it sounds like your tree is thriving beautifully.

If you ever need tips on maintaining the health of your tree or managing the shade it creates in your yard, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For instance, choosing shade-tolerant plants for the areas under and around your oak can help maintain a lush and inviting garden even in the shade. Mulching around the base can also protect the roots and help conserve moisture.

We’re always here to help ensure both you and your Swamp White Oak flourish together!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

O
Old
Shade

We purchased a house that had a Swamp White Oak in the back yard. It is getting huge and it creates a lot of dense shade. Good for an old guy to have a shady place to sit.

Hello Old H.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Swamp White Oak! It’s wonderful to hear that your majestic tree is providing a cool, shaded retreat—especially a peaceful spot perfect for relaxing after a long day. These oaks truly make lovely, enduring companions for any yard.

If you ever want tips on caring for your Swamp White Oak as it continues to grow—such as proper pruning techniques to maintain its shape or guidance on protecting its roots—we’re always here to help. Maintaining healthy soil and mulch around the base can also support its vitality and long-term shade.

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how your tree is fitting into your new home’s life. May your shady oasis bring many restful moments to come!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

K
Kuya
Beatiful shade tree

We bought this tree 3 years ago from a local nursery and its doing great! Leaves are a dark shiny green and it provides very dense shade. Its bark is very unique, you could peel it right off the trunk (I don't). This spring a couple of the acorns that fell from this tree started growing and I carefully transplanted them to peat pots to raise in our house until they get big enough to plant around the yard. I would definately buy another Swamp White Oak, thankfully the squirrels planted me a couple so I don't have to.

Hello Kuya,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Swamp White Oak—it's truly heartwarming to hear how well it has thrived over the past three years! That dark, shiny green canopy and unique bark sound like such lovely features, and it’s fascinating how nature-made murals come with the squirrels’ gifted acorns. Growing acorns indoors in peat pots is a fantastic way to nurture young oaks. Keeping them in a sunny, warm spot while maintaining consistent moisture will help the seedlings develop strong roots before planting outside.

If you ever need tips on transplanting those saplings to your yard or want guidance on fostering other unusual native trees, we’re always here to help. Quercus bicolor can be a real joy for shade and habitat, and doubling your oak groves sounds like a wonderful plan!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

K
Kuya
Beatiful shade tree

We bought this tree 3 years ago from a local nursery and its doing great! Leaves are a dark shiny green and it provides very dense shade. Its bark is very unique, you could peel it right off the trunk (I don't). This spring a couple of the acorns that fell from this tree started growing and I carefully transplanted them to peat pots to raise in our house until they get big enough to plant around the yard. I would definately buy another Swamp White Oak, thankfully the squirrels planted me a couple so I don't have to.

Hello Kuya,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Swamp White Oak! We’re delighted to hear how well your tree has thrived over the past three years and how beautifully it’s providing dense shade with those striking dark shiny leaves. It’s fascinating you noticed the unique bark as well—that’s one of the special characteristics that make this tree so charming.

It’s fantastic that a couple of acorns have sprouted and you’re nurturing them indoors in peat pots. Transplanting acorns is a great way to grow these oaks, and keeping them indoors initially gives them a nice protected environment before they’re planted outdoors. A tip that might help as your seedlings grow is to ensure they receive plenty of natural light indoors and consistent moisture without waterlogging. When you do move them outside, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them in shady, sheltered spots before planting permanently.

Also, it’s always exciting when nature lends a hand—and those squirrel-fostered seedlings sound like truly serendipitous gifts. We hope your yard continues flourishing with more Swamp White Oaks filling it in future years!

If you ever need any planting advice or care tips, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does the Swamp White Oak get at maturity?

  • Swamp White Oak reaches 50-60 feet tall and 50-60 feet wide at maturity, forming a large rounded canopy. This fast-growing native develops into a substantial shade tree that can live for hundreds of years. Plan for plenty of space when planting, as it needs room to spread.

Can the Swamp White Oak be planted in my USDA zone (e.g., zone 5 or 6)?

  • Swamp White Oak is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for most temperate regions. This adaptable native tolerates both wet and dry soils once established. Check your specific zone and shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

What are the soil requirements for Swamp White Oak, like pH and moisture?

  • Swamp White Oak adapts to both wet and dry soils with remarkable tolerance. It thrives in a wide pH range and handles everything from poorly drained clay to well-draining loam. Plant in your existing soil conditions for best results.

What is the sunlight requirement for Swamp White Oak—full sun or partial shade?

  • Swamp White Oak thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade well. This adaptable native tree performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fall color development. Plant in the sunniest spot available for fastest growth.

When and how should I prune a Swamp White Oak tree?

  • Prune Swamp White Oak during dormancy in late winter to avoid oak wilt disease. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches since these trees naturally develop their rounded, open habit. Young trees may need light structural pruning, but mature oaks require minimal intervention. Shop healthy specimens at naturehills.com.

Do you offer bare-root or potted Swamp White Oak trees for shipping?

  • Swamp White Oak trees are typically shipped as potted specimens since they transplant more easily than other oak varieties. The robust root system in containers gives these fast-growing natives the best start in your landscape. Check current availability for sizing options.