When does Basket Oak bloom?

Basket oak produces its catkin flowers in April and May, typical timing for oaks in bottomland hardwood forests.

What growing conditions does Basket Oak prefer?

This tree does best in part sun with medium to consistently moist soil, reflecting its origin in floodplain and bottomland sites that see periodic flooding.

How large does Basket Oak grow, and what is it used for?

Basket oak matures into a large shade tree with a straight trunk. Its common name comes from historical use of split wood strips for weaving baskets.

What insects visit Basket Oak flowers?

Bees and beetles are known to visit the catkins of basket oak, taking advantage of pollen even though oaks rely mainly on wind for pollination.

Is Swamp Chestnut Oak toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Chestnut Oak as toxic to livestock.

Is Swamp Chestnut Oak HOA-friendly?

Swamp Chestnut Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Swamp Chestnut Oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus michauxii

Last reviewed: October 2026

Quercus michauxii, or basket oak, is a deciduous tree found in bottomland forests and floodplains across the southeastern and eastern United States. It blooms in April and May and grows best in part sun with medium to wet soil moisture.

Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Swamp Chestnut Oak as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

576"–1200" H × 180"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Try it with your yard

Basket oak is a large, stately deciduous tree native to wetland areas of the southeastern United States. It develops a broad, rounded crown and can reach 40 to 80 feet tall with an impressive spread. This oak produces spring flowers followed by acorns and displays attractive fall color.

Growing Swamp Chestnut Oak

Grow Swamp Chestnut Oak in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 576 to 1200 inches tall and spread 180 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp Chestnut Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Very large mature size requires adequate space
Acorn drop may require seasonal cleanup

Wildlife value

Host plant for luna moth, banded hairstreak, white-m hairstreak.

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. As an oak species, it supports hundreds of native caterpillar species and provides acorns for wildlife.

Common questions

When does Basket Oak bloom?: Basket oak produces its catkin flowers in April and May, typical timing for oaks in bottomland hardwood forests.
What growing conditions does Basket Oak prefer?: This tree does best in part sun with medium to consistently moist soil, reflecting its origin in floodplain and bottomland sites that see periodic flooding.
How large does Basket Oak grow, and what is it used for?: Basket oak matures into a large shade tree with a straight trunk. Its common name comes from historical use of split wood strips for weaving baskets.
What insects visit Basket Oak flowers?: Bees and beetles are known to visit the catkins of basket oak, taking advantage of pollen even though oaks rely mainly on wind for pollination.
Is Swamp Chestnut Oak toxic to dogs?: Swamp Chestnut Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Swamp Chestnut Oak toxic to cats?: Swamp Chestnut Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Swamp Chestnut Oak toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Chestnut Oak as toxic to livestock.
Is Swamp Chestnut Oak HOA-friendly?: Swamp Chestnut Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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