Tolerant of poorly drained sites and frequently is found in heavy mucky soils and does well in moist to wet soils. Long-lived tree found in lowlands, long edges of streams and in swamps subject to flooding but it grows just as well in an urban or suburban setting, with tolerance to compacted soil and drought. Grows best in full sun with shade tolerance. Average mature height is 50-75'. Has a yellow to purple fall color and produces sweet acorns eaten by many kinds of wildlife, particularly ducks. Hard wood commercially valuable and cut and sold as white oak.