Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
Last reviewed: June 2026
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
240"–600" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, CT, DE, IA and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Swamp white oak is a large, stately native tree with distinctive rounded lobes on its leaves and attractive exfoliating bark. It grows 20-50 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown and tolerates both wet and dry conditions once established. This long-lived oak produces acorns that are an important food source for wildlife.
In an HOA neighborhood
Swamp White Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Large mature size requires adequate space
- Seasonal acorn drop may need cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for white-marked tussock moth, gypsy moth.
Supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillars, plus provides nectar for bees and beetles during spring blooms. Acorns feed squirrels, deer, and numerous bird species including woodpeckers, jays, and turkeys.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Swamp White Oak fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.