Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is a native tree in Maryland (Deciduous). The sections below summarize where it grows, how to recognize it, and how it supports local ecosystems.
Habitat and range
Floodplains and wet terraces; also tolerates moist uplands, popular for urban tough sites when soil is acidic.
Identification
White oak group with rounded lobes; undersides of leaves often fuzzy; acorns on long stalks.
Soil and moisture
Moist to wet, poorly drained phases OK; avoid high pH without intervention.
Wildlife value
Acorns sprout in fall, important for germination-dependent wildlife cycles; cavities later.
Uses and significance
Street tree selections available; wetland mitigation; wildlife oak plantings.