Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Few trees do more for local wildlife than a native oak. The Swamp White Oak is a keystone species, supporting hundreds of butterfly and moth caterpillars that feed baby songbirds — plant one and watch your yard come alive. Handsome two-toned leaves (dark green above, silvery below) turn golden bronze in fall, and sweet acorns feed birds and mammals. True to its name, it tolerates wet, compacted, and clay soils better than most oaks, yet handles average conditions with ease — a smart choice for Park Ridge's clay soils and rain gardens. A long-lived shade tree reaching 50–60 feet. Plant in full sun. Sold in a #5 (5-gallon) container.
For more plant specs, visit our partner Possibility Place.
For more information on tree planting and care, visit the Morton Arboretum.
