Swamp White Oak vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Swamp White Oak vs Water Arum

Quercus bicolor

Calla palustris

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Swamp White Oak
Water Arum

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.

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

Swamp White Oak Quick Facts

Water Arum Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1b
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs

Toxicity: toxic if ingested
Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
Nuts: acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: bicolor oak
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon