Swamp Oak

Quercus bicolor

Family Fagaceae
Notable Features
Leaves: Leaves are alternate* and between 4 and 9 inches (10-22 centimeters), glossy above and hairless on both sides. The swamp oak leaf has 4 to 6 pairs of large, rounded, blunt teeth*, which can occasionally be somewhat pointed; sinuses* are very shallow.
Twigs/Buds: Twigs are hairless and gray, and buds* are small, hairless, dark brown, and blunt.
Bark: Bark is thick and light gray, with flaking, chunky ridges.
Acorns: The acorns of the swamp oak have moderately deep, bowl-shaped, peeling and brown caps*, which grow from roughly 3 inch (7 centimeter) long, slender stems.
Size/Shape: A large, northern oak reaching heights of 60 to 70 feet (18-21 meters) with diameters of 2 to 3 feet (3/4-1 meter).
Location on Campus

(click for map)
There are a few Swamp Oaks in Sachar woods, but the most easliy found are two growing in Ridgewood Quad, one in the center of the quad and one just between the quad and M-Lot.
Uses
Like other oaks in the White Oak group*, the acorns contain less tannin*, yet still ought to be leached* before consumption so as to dispel the bitter taste. Dried nuts can be eaten, candied in a sugar solution such as syrup, or ground into flour.
Except where specifically noted, all text, photographs, and drawings copyright Chris Bersbach and Lisa Leombruni 2002. No part of this page may be reproduced without the express permission of the authors.