Description
Keystone Value: The genus Quercus (Oak) supports over 500 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars, providing food for a variety of birds and mammals.
Swamp White Oak is a beautiful specimen tree used in home landscaping, golf courses, and parks as well as in naturalized areas. They can grow to 50′ or higher and can live over 300 years! Its name is derived from the bicolor leaves: glossy dark green on top and a fuzzy light green underside. In the fall the leaves turn yellow with an occasional red-purple. They prefer full sun and moist to wet acidic soil, however they are adaptable and can handle dry soil. Like other oaks, the Swamp White Oak has excellent wildlife value. Not only is it a keystone species that hosts hundreds of caterpillars, but it also provides habitat and food for a variety of birds and mammals.
