Quercus bicolor

The Swamp White Oak has a shorter trunk than other oaks, and an open, rounded top. Shiny, dark green leaves have rounded lobes, and are silvery white on their undersides. Fall foliage is yellow, sometimes with a tint of red-purple. Bark of young trees peels in long flakes, showing an orange inner layer; mature bark is dark gray and blocky.  Likes full sun and moist, well-drained soil, but is more tolerant of poor drainage than other oaks.  Native to America's north central and northeastern states, this is a great shade tree for the Midwest! Hardy to zones 3-8.

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