Oak - Swamp White Oak Seedling - Bareroot

Oaks have been an important food source for humans and animals throughout North America. Swamp white oak AKA Bicolor oak AKA Quercus x bicolor is a hybrid oak tree that grows at a moderate rate, eventually reaching a height of 50-60'.

Genetics: these are from "Little Sweetie," a tree with particularly sweet (low tannin) acorns. Seedlings are thus more likely to have low tannins as well.

Tolerates a wide range of soil types as well as urban conditions. A good contender for wet, marshy, poorly-drained sites. Acorns are approx 1" long. Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Acorns have relatively low tannin content, making them more palatable to wildlife and (with some processing) to humans. Like other oaks, remaining tannins can be leached out by soaking. Nuts can be roasted, boiled, or dried and milled into a flour. 

Planting: While oaks can germinate and grow in a forest, these oaks do best in a sunny spot. Oaks are wind-pollinated so they require at least two to make acorns. Planting several in the same area helps to ensure adequate pollination. Water for the first few years while they're getting established. Best planted when dormant (Nov-Mar) but can be planted later in spring.

Why bare root? "Bare root" means that the tree has been grown in the ground (rather than in a pot). In general, bare root trees tend to have larger root systems because their roots aren't constricted by the edges of the pot. Because we don't need to use pots or potting soil, we can sell them more cheaply than potted trees. Bareroot trees should be planted when they are dormant (Nov - Mar in the Pacific Northwest; Nov - Apr in colder climates).