Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor
Fagaceae
Quercus bicolor leaf JB
Quercus bicolor bark MJP
Quercus bicolor form
Prefers acidic wetland soils. Acorn production during mast years can be messy to maintain.Oak wilt in the region is spreading and is of special concern when considering planting this species.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Acorns food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host; cavity nesting site; bat roosting site; insect host, attracts woodpeckers
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 8
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
477
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Part Shade: Receives 2-4 hours of direct sunlight, preferably in the morning
Maximum Height
Large (75-100 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Oak wilt (less susceptible than red oak group)
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Occasional
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Frequent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Frequent
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Red
Yellow
Green
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant to Salt in Soil: Tree will not become stressed when salt is present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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