Swamp White Oak

The Swamp White Oak is a hardy and adaptable tree that thrives in wet, swampy conditions, but has the unique ability to also withstand drought. This flood-proof tree can reach heights of 50-60 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet. The foliage is a rich dark green with a whitish underside, turning golden yellow to brown in the fall. The attractive light gray bark becomes deeply furrowed with age, adding character to any landscape.  The tree's acorns provide a valuable food source for wildlife, and its sturdy wood is used for furniture and flooring due to its durability. Native Americans utilized the acorns of Swamp White Oak as a food source, and early settlers used the wood for barrels, furniture, and home building due to its strength and resistance to rot. Swamp White Oaks can live for more than 300 years, making them a long-lasting addition to any landscape. This deciduous oak tree is perfect for naturalizing wetland areas or adding resilience to landscapes.

Also Known As: Bicolor Oak, Swamp Oak, Swamp Post Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Swamp White, Bottomland Oak, Water White Oak, Basket Oak, White Swamp Oak.

Plant Name:	Tree, Swamp White Oak
Latin Name:	Quercus bicolor
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	20 - 40 Years
Plant Height:	50 - 60 Feet
Spread:	50 - 70 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	4-8
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 70 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Do not over-dry seeds if storing seeds. Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 60-90 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1-2 inches deep and spaced 50-70 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1-2 inches
Within-Row Spacing:	50-70 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	70 feet

Care During the Season:

Swamp White Oak will grow into a majestic, long-lived tree, providing shade, wildlife habitat, and ornamental beauty with care. This hardy, deciduous tree can tolerate wetter conditions better than many other oak species. During spring and summer, young trees require consistent watering, especially during dry periods, to establish a deep root system. However, once mature, Swamp White Oak is relatively drought-tolerant but still benefits from occasional deep watering to support healthy foliage and acorn production. Fertilization is generally not necessary for well-established trees, but applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring can support young trees' growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak branches to improve airflow and maintain a strong structure.