Pockets Of Light:
Race Street Pier

Plant

Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor

Ecology

The row of trees behind you are all swamp white oaks, a native tree species that grows well in—you guessed it—wet areas. However, they’re also resistant to drought and soil compaction, making them a great choice for this location.

Across the board, oaks are considered “keystone species,” which is why Julie’s artwork features a “river” of leaves from other oaks as well as swamp white oaks. As the name suggests, keystone species are organisms that are critical for the functioning of an entire natural ecosystem. In the case of swamp white oaks, we’re talking about a critical food source (acorns) for all sorts of animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, deer, beavers, bears, blue jays, nuthatches, brown thrashers, woodpeckers, and wood ducks. Swamp white oaks are also host plants for dozens of species of moths, leafhoppers, and beetles, whose larva eat the leaves and in turn provide a food source for many more species of birds.

Swamp white oak acorns appear in August and drop to the ground in September and October. Look high and low—can you find any?

Indigenous Uses

More evidence that oaks are a keystone species? Even humans eat swamp white oak acorns! The Iroquois consumed them both raw and cooked as well as grinding them up to create a thickener for stews, a baking ingredient, and to roast as a coffee substitute.

Medicinally, the Iroquois used swamp white oak bark extracts to treat cholera, broken bones, and tuburculosis. It was also used as a remedy for loneliness or a partner’s infidelity.

The Chippewa used swamp white oak bark as an ingredient in a cleaning solution used to remove rust from traps.

Symbolism

White oaks are considered a symbol of peace, serenity, and rebirth. For that reason, some 400 swamp white oaks are planted at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City—and the ones on the pier were actually grown for that exact purpose, at a nursery in Millstone, NJ.

One Last Thought

Swamp white oaks probably have a long history at this historic waterfront location—their wood is quite hard and rot-resistant, so historically, it was used widely to construct both barrels and boat hulls!

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