Quick answer: Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) is native to 23 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Bruce Marlin, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Poorly drained, heavy or fine loams or clays, acidic pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 80-100 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts songbirds/ground birds/water birds/mammals, acorns important food source |
Acorns and young leaves low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: stomach pain, constipation then bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst/urination
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Swamp white oak
Where is Swamp white oak native?
Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) is native to 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Swamp white oak bloom?
Swamp white oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Swamp white oak need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist. Soil: Poorly drained, heavy or fine loams or clays, acidic pH. Mature height: Up to 80-100 ft.
Is Swamp white oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts songbirds/ground birds/water birds/mammals, acorns important food source.
Is Swamp white oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Swamp white oak is tolerates shade.
Is Swamp white oak toxic?
Acorns and young leaves low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: stomach pain, constipation then bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst/urination.
Where can I buy real Swamp white oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus bicolor on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Swamp white oak.
- Cockspur hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli
- River birch Betula nigra
- American sycamore Platanus occidentalis
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Pawpaw Asimina triloba
- Pin oak Quercus palustris
Also listed under
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