Botanical profile

Quercus bicolor

Latin name
Quercus bicolor
Common name
Two-tone oak
Type
TREE
Family
Fagaceae

Quercus bicolor is a robust and majestic ornamental tree, commonly known as swamp white oak or two-toned oak, valued for its glossy dark green foliage which forms a broad and structured crown, offering an imposing presence in beds, parks, avenues, or large gardens. In autumn, its leaves turn warm yellow to bronze hues, creating a colorful seasonal spectacle that visually enriches the landscape. Its rounded and spreading silhouette provides a balanced structure, ideal as a shade tree, isolated specimen, or a structuring element in residential or public landscape designs. Very hardy, this tree prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, moist, well-drained soil, where it thrives without particular demands, combining durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3–8
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate to regular
Fertilization
Balanced spring salad
Soil type
Fertile, moist and well-drained
Minimum temperature
-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Soft chartreuse (spring)
Fruiting
Ornamental acorn for wildlife
Foliage color
Dark green → yellow/bronze (autumn)
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Rounded / Spread
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
12–18 m (39–59 ft)
Width
10–15 m (33–49 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.