Common Name: Swamp White Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus alba
Location: Baldwin Hall
Identifying Features
A mature tree can reach the average height of 80 ft. Swamp White Oak leaves are shallow and irregularly lobed with their lower surface hairy and lighter white in color than the dark green upper surface. These leaves often turn golden-yellow in Autumn. Unlike most other native oaks, the large acorns are produced on a short stalk which stays attached to fallen acorn caps. The small oval acorns have warty caps. The bark is a darker brown with rough ridges.
Distribution/Geography
Mostly found in bottomland forest or valleys, floodplains, and wet soils. Swamp White Oaks are common to the Midwest but are found in some North Eastern states. These oaks may live as long as 300 years.
Uses
These oaks are mostly used for barrels and kegs but are also used for furniture. They help support wildlife that eat acorns such as squirrels, deer, and birds.
History
Swamp White Oak nuts can be eaten raw or cooked due to the less bitter quality.
Tree Fact
The Champion tree for Missouri, by the Missouri Department of Conservation, is right here in Kirksville’s Rotary Park reaching 100 ft tall.