Audubon® Swamp Chestnut Oak

Swamp Chestnut Oak may not be as famous as its White Oak or Red Oak brothers, but it is everything you want in an oak tree. Long-lived, tall, symmetrical, and sturdy, this majestic shade tree is a legacy tree that future generations will cherish. Your local wildlife will be grateful to you for planting it, too—especially the birds, who will forage in its canopy for the myriad insects that dwell there. Tanagers, titmice, chickadees, warblers, gnatcatchers, and vireos are some of the birds that depend on the caterpillars and other creatures that native oaks provide.

Swamp Chestnut Oak is primarily a tree of the southeastern states, though its range does extend northward into Illinois and New Jersey. It is not a denizen of swamps per se, but prefers well-drained bottomlands that may flood temporarily. In these rich sites, it grows fairly fast and very tall, becoming one of our largest native Oaks. Swamp Chestnut wood is hard and durable, and in the past, it was used frequently in forging wagon parts and railroad ties. The wood also splits into strips readily, making it ideal for making barrels and baskets. Thus, the tree is also known as “Basket Oak.”

Wildlife like squirrels, foxes, turkeys, and blue jays appreciate the large acorns of Swamp Chestnut Oak. Livestock relish them as well, and in the South, this species is known as “Cow Oak.” You may like the acorns, too! They are sweeter than other acorns and don’t need any treatment to be edible.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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