White Oak vs Swamp White Oak - TreeTime.ca

White Oak vs Swamp White Oak

Quercus alba

Quercus bicolor

White Oak
Swamp White Oak

White Oak is large, long-lived tree with an irregular trunk divided into spreading, often horizontal, stout branches. A highly adaptable tree, White Oak features green acorns and beautiful green leaves that turn red-purple in the fall.

With a huge growth in bourbon and scotch over the past few decades there is an emerging shortage of white oak that is the primary tree used for cask barrels and aging.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

The Swamp White Oak is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America. It is commonly found in swamps, lowlands, floodplains, and near streams and lakes. The leaves are two-toned, green on top and silvery-white on the undersides, adding to the visual appeal of this popular shade tree.

In the fall, the Swamp White Oak produces acorns which are an important food source for wildlife. It also provides a habitat for the larvae of many butterfly and moth species, playing an important ecological role. Although its growth is slow in the first few years, once the roots are established, it can achieve faster annual growth.

White Oak Quick Facts

Swamp White Oak Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $9.99 - SAVE UP TO 47%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: dark red
Nuts: acorns
Nuts: acorns
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none




Toxicity: mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs
Other Names: bicolor oak