Swamp white oak is a large, long-lived shade tree with an irregular rounded crown. It is a broad-branching, 50- to 60-foot-tall tree with a short trunk. An impressive tree for open settings, it is good in large, open areas. Acorns ripen in the fall. The leaves are light colored and velvety beneath, and the bark of young trees is flaky. Leaves usually turn yellow in the fall, but there is a fair amount of variability, and some trees will exhibit deep-red leaves. Swamp white oak is native to the state and is found growing on moist sites. It should be planted in acidic soil and may be used in stressful urban environments.

Illinois native species.