Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak) is a native deciduous tree found across eastern and midwestern United States. It blooms in April and May, supporting bees and beetles as important pollinators.
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) 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 White Oak as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Swamp White Oak
Grow Swamp White Oak in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 300 to 600 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Swamp White Oak naturally grow?
- Swamp White Oak is native to 29 states across the eastern and midwestern United States, from Maine south to Alabama and west to Kansas and Minnesota.
- When does Quercus bicolor bloom?
- Swamp White Oak blooms during April and May, producing flowers that attract bees and beetles as pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Swamp White Oak prefer?
- This oak species thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions and prefers consistently moist to wet soils, making it well-suited for swampy or lowland areas.
- What pollinators visit Swamp White Oak?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators that visit Quercus bicolor flowers during the spring blooming period.
- Is Swamp White Oak toxic to dogs?
- Swamp White Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Swamp White Oak toxic to cats?
- Swamp White Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Swamp White Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp White Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Swamp White Oak HOA-friendly?
- Swamp White Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Swamp White Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz