Oak, Swamp White

Introducing the Swamp White Oak, scientifically known as Quercus bicolor. Often mistaken for the Bur Oak, this tree shares many similarities, especially in its bark. The dark gray-brown bark features blocky, flat, scaly ridges separated by deep fissures, while the higher limbs are covered with papery, peeling bark. As a medium-sized tree, the Swamp White Oak often reaches heights of up to 75 feet and is known for its relatively quick growth among oak species. True to its name, it thrives in wet areas and locations prone to flooding. The dark green leaves of the Swamp White Oak vary in shape, with some having rounded lobes and coarsely toothed edges, while others are wavy. In the fall, these leaves turn a vibrant orange-gold, adding a golden hue to the landscape. The tree produces acorns in late summer, with the fruit being about 1 inch long and halfway covered by a warty cap. These acorns hang from long stems, often 4 inches in length, and the stems usually remain attached when the acorns ripen and fall in late autumn. The Swamp White Oak is a remarkable and resilient tree, contributing both beauty and ecological value to wetland areas.