Common Name
Swamp chestnut oak
Basket oak
Plant Form
Large Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
80.0
Width (ft)
30.0 -
70.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Commercially available
Yes
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF):
Additional Info
Habitat: bottomlands, ravine slopes, flatwoods over limestone. Common in the coastal Plain; infrequent and more local in the outer piedmont.
Wildlife value: As with most native oaks, it is a high-value wildlife plant. Supports a wide variety of Lepidopteran (butterflies and moths). Acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, blue jays, rough grouse, ducks, small mammals, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees
Edibility: The acorns can be eaten raw, unlike most oak species (but are not produced until the tree is 20-25 years old.)
Flower Color
Red/burgandy
Gold/Yellow
Flower Prominence
Reduced
Bloom Time
Spring
Fall Color
Brown/Copper
Burgandy/Red
Gold/Yellow
Orange
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Top 30 for Butterfly and Moth Caterpillars?
Yes
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
534