Swamp White Oak

Description

Cultural Information:

Large leaves and deeply furrowed bark make this tree similar to Bur Oaks in many respects.   As its common name implies it is more often found in bottomlands and along streams and rivers but it is considered a drought tolerant species.  In our experience it grows a little more slowly in upland situations than in moist soils but still manages 1-2′ per year.  Does best in full sun.

Associated Species: ^[6]

Pin Oak, Sweetgum, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Sycamore, Bur Oak, Shellbark Hickory and Blackgum.

Field Observations: 

A rugged tree with more and finer branching patterns than Bur Oak.  Following a twig back from the tip the bark from growth three years previous is beginning to flake off.  This is a characteristic of the species and can be used to identify the plant in winter.  We often find it side-by-side with Bur Oaks in lower, wetter fields and around seeps or springs.  One of our seed trees is a real giant; 4′ in diameter and probably 70′ tall.  The spread is easily 100′.  The acorns fall into cut grass making collection a breeze.