Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is planted on highway rights-of-way and is frequently used as a shade tree for large lawns, golf courses, parks, and naturalized areas. The crown shape and bi-colored leaves (dark above, lighter beneath) are attractive features; fall color is yellow, with occasional red hues. The trees can grow well in areas that are dry, poorly drained, and wet, or even occasionally flooded, and they will tolerate significant soil compaction.
Leaves are simple and grow alternately on the stem. The leaves are broad at the middle (pear-shaped) and wedge-shaped at the base; wavy and indented along margins; dark green and shiny above, grayish and fuzzy beneath.
