Illinois Native Plant Guide

Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

Floodplain and terrace species. Prefers moist soil that dries out towards the end of the growing season. Species tolerates spring flooding.

Wildlife Value

Acorns from this species are an important food source for many small mammals, deer, and birds. Provides habitat for many birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Application/Zone

Used in upper shoreline zones and for upland slope buffer stabilization.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Available as balled and burlapped or bareroot stock.
• Tap roots make most oaks difficult to transplant, but Quercus bicolor has a more fibrous root system, making transplanting easier.

Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor

Mature Height
50 to 70 feet

Plant Type
Deciduous tree

Indicator Status
Facultative Wet (+)

pH
Not available

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Low

Salt Tolerance
Low

Siltation Tolerance
Low

Flowering Color and Time
May

Light Preference
Full sun

Seeding Rate
Not applicable

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