Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Mature Height: 50-80' tall
- Mature Width: 50-60' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 50-70' apart
Why the Audubon® Native Swamp White Oak?
Safe in the arms of a rugged Swamp White Oak Tree, birds of all kinds find shelter and sustenance. Its large leaves serve as good cover while songbirds forage for the insects that make up an important part of their diet. Bluebirds, sparrows, wrens, vireos, and warblers are some of the visitors you may see feeding in this noble native. Swamp White Oak’s acorns, which dangle from long stems, are more palatable than those of other Oak Trees, and they attract jays and woodpeckers. In wetland areas, ducks relish the acorns, too. Handsome, hardy, and wonderful for wildlife.
This tree is found in forests and swampy areas all over the Eastern U.S. Its wood is heavy and hard, lending itself to use in flooring, furniture, cabinets, ships, barrels, and kegs. More recently, this tree has found another purpose. At the 9/11 Memorial Plaza in New York, 412 Swamp White Oaks have been planted, chosen for their durability and subdued yellow fall color (Sweetgum was considered, but deemed too festive). In time, the canopies will weave together, forming a cooling, calming green ceiling overhead, sheltering the visitors below.
How to use in the landscape?
A relatively large tree displaying large dark green leaves with gray-green undersides in summer, transforming into golden hues in fall. Swamp White Oak does tend to perform well in wetter/swamp-like locations (hence the name) but also does well in other soil types. Drought tolerant. An excellent choice for shade trees, lawn trees, specimen, or large park-like settings.
Why Bower & Branch?
At Bower & Branch, it’s our job to know and grow trees… especially big trees.
- Trusted, Experienced Growers
- Trusted, Knowledgeable Expertise
- Trusted Brand of Quality Trees Across the United States
We do the hard part. Our trees and plants are grown and cared for by only the best, local growers for years before they find their forever home in your landscape. Bower & Branch is known for having hard-to-find, substantial sizes and selection. The quality of our trees and plants are consistent in health and vigor—always ready for immediate impact in your garden and instant curb appeal. We never rush our trees to reach a ‘grade size.’ Our trees are grown for quality height, vigor, health and age.
We believe in empowering homeowners with the truth about strong, healthy and structurally sound plants that are grown to perform in the ground after they leave the nursery for home delivery, always fresh inventory from the grower.
Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.
What is the definition of Native?
“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society
Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.
Audubon® is a licensed and registered trademark of the National Audubon Society. All rights reserved.
How To Plant
Oak Trees enjoy full sun planting locations. Swamp White Oaks are no different and can grow well in all soil types and where other Oaks may be limited by requiring more acidic soils, Swamp White is much more adaptable. Oaks may have an irregular growth habit while young, but in time will straighten out. Bower & Branch Swamp Whites are grown to have proper branching structure in place, your only need will be to remove lower limbs as desired for branching height. Generally we remove all limbs below 4/5' but you may choose to remove limbs to 6 or 7' as your tree grows to allow for mowing or picnicking. Swamp White is virtually pest free when given the care and feeding it needs to grow healthy and strong.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water very slowly and very thoroughly. The water needs to reach to the bottom of the root ball and that takes time. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established as it gives your tree the nutrients it needs to produce lush new growth for the following spring.
How To Prune
A very low maintenance tree, little pruning work is required. Prune as needed in late winter or in very early spring while the tree is still dormant.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Videos
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our large trees require expert delivery and care, that means our large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care.
We deliver your trees and plants directly to your driveway or curbside! Ask Bower & Branch about planting services and rates – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*Big trees and shrubs, Size XL (A) and bigger, will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to be delivered. - Sizes Large (AA) and smaller (Treelings, Shrubs, Bushes, and Perennials) will be shipped directly to your home by a local common carrier in a plant-safe box.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health.. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
