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swamp-oak
Scientific Name: Casuarina obesa
Family: Casuarinaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
The swamp white oak is a striking tree appreciated for its attractive peeling bark, especially when young, and is often used as a shade tree in landscaping.
Considerations for Pets
- The tree produces acorns, which may be considered messy.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Quercus bicolor Willd.
- Common Names: Swamp white oak, Swamp Oak (note that "Swamp Oak" may also refer to other species, such as Casuarina glauca or Viminaria denudata).
- Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Common in America's north central and northeastern mixed forests.
- Found in lowlands and along the edges of streams.
- Tolerant of poorly drained sites and heavy clay soils.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Medium-sized deciduous tree.
- Typically grows to a height of 50-80 feet, potentially reaching 70 feet tall and 60 feet wide in the open.
- Broad, rounded crown.
- Short trunk with moderate growth rate (1 to 2 feet per year).
- Branching habit resembles that of pin oak, but with shorter branches.
- Leaves are alternate, simple, obovate, and lobed with rounded tips, measuring 3 to 7 inches long.
- Leaves are shiny dark green above and fuzzy pale green underneath.
- Fruit is an acorn on a long stalk.
Ecological Role
- Important component of wetlands.
- Rare and endangered in some areas of Canada due to habitat loss.
Distinguishing Features
- Differs from Quercus alba and Quercus macrocarpa in the very shallow lobes of its leaves and the long stalks of its fruit.
Further Resources
- USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center
- Nebraska Forest Service
- Arborday.org tree guide
- Leafsnap (electronic field guide)