Woody > Quercus > Quercus bicolor > Quercus bicolor
Quercus bicolor
Swamp White Oak
Origin: Found from Quebec to Georgia, west to Michigan and Arkansas. Introduced into cultivation in the 1800s.
Mike's
Opinion
"
It can adapt to most soils it is planted in. It has interesting bark but the autumn foliage is not desirable. This tree looks interesting when the wind lifts the leaves because underneath the leaf is white-green where as the top is dark green, hence the name Q. bicolour.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Fagaceae |
| Genus |
| Quercus |
| Species |
| bicolor |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| Pronunciation |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 4 - 8 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 2a - 8a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 - H5 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-32) - (-7) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| (-25) - 20 |
| Height |
| 15-40 m |
| Spread |
| 10-15 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Known as a large, rounded shade tree. Also known for its bicoloured leaves in the breeze, whitish undersides, bark and winter texture. Adapts to wet or dry soil. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern. |
| Landscape |
| Used often as a shade tree in parks and residential areas. Also used to fill large areas. This is a specimen tree. However, since it is prone to gall and leaf miner problems, the foliage always looks a little rough. |
| Cultivation |
| Grows best in part shade to full sun. Likes swampy situations. Requires acidic soil. It is also a drought tolerant plant. |
| Growth |
| Slow |
| ID Characteristic |
| Leaves have rounded lobes. This tree has dark brown, flaky bark. The acorns are also found in pairs. A rather coarse looking oak. |
| Pests |
| Borers oak slug, caterpillars, gypsy moth, cankers, and powdery mildew. |
| Habitat |
| Found in swampy areas with moist soil, often along banks and streams. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| The bark is dark brown with yellow-brown stems, flaky and with a ridged texture. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Broadly ovate, light brown often clustered together, 3-6 mm long. Coated with down above the middle. |
| Leaf Description |
| Dark green, simple, obovate leaves with rounded lobes. White-green underneath leaf. Alternate leaf arrangement, leaves 8–18 cm long. |
| Flower Description |
| A small pendulous yellow-brown flower that blooms in May. |
| Fruit Description |
| A medium sized acorn about 2.5 cm long that is produced in one season. Grows either single or in pairs. |
| Colour Description |
| Dark green summer foliage. Yellow-brown to red-purple and sometimes even golden-brown in autumn. Not outstanding autumn colour and being rather drab. |
| Texture Description |
| Medium texture with foliage and bold texture without foliage. The summer canopy is thick and dense. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Mt. Airy, Cincinnati, Ohio with the United States. National Champion at Clearwater Nature Centre, Clinton, Maryland. |
| Propagation |
| By seed. Clonal propagation from cuttings is also common. |
References
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