Description
Swamp Chestnut oak is a member of the white oak family which means it will have leaves with rounded lobes. It is native down the eastern seaboard from Delaware to northern Florida but not in the Midwest states. Now that doesn’t mean it won’t grow in northern climates as I have a 20 year old one in front of the tiny house at Porcupine Hollow. It looks to me like this oak is a medium speed grower and like many of the swamp oaks will grow on relatively dry ground well. The North Carolina extension has a nice flyer about the swamp chestnut. We also have many other varieties of oak.
Scientific Name: Quercus michauxii
Zone: 2-6 (7) Find Your Growing Zone
Mature Height: 60-80 ft
Mature Width: 30-70 ft
Fruit: 3/4 – 1 1/2″ acorns that are low in tannins and sweet. Growing in clusters or alone.
Flowers: Yellow catkins are male flowers; female flowers are yellow spikes.
Bloom Time: May
Growth Rate: Slow
Soil: Moist, well-drained soils.
Drought Tolerance: Poor
Flood Tolerance: Can handle occasional flooding.
Sun Requirements: Sun or part-shade
Fall Color: Creamy Yellow
Wildlife Value: Consumed by deer, bear, squirrel, turkey and many types of birds.
