Unique Features: The Swamp White oak is native to the central eastern U.S. but is well suited to our area and is on the Town of Parker Preferred Species list. The Swamp White oak grows moderately, fast for an oak, into a large pyramidal form that becomes more rounded with age. It is adaptable to wet or dry compacted soils with pH levels up to 7.4.  It can develop chlorosis which can be treated with iron and sulfur amendments. The large, 5” to 9” leaves are medium green on top and a much paler light green underside. This characteristic is what gives rise to ‘bicolor’ in the botanical name and there is a ripple of lighter color across the foliage canopy when the leaves are moving in the wind. Younger trees may hold some of their leaves through the winter, but this goes away with age.  Oaks require and reward patience.