Quercus phellos – Willow Oak

Botanical Name: Quercus phellos

The Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) is a medium to large sized deciduous tree with a rounded conical crown. The growth pattern is graceful, with the lower limbs gently sloping downwards. It grows to a height of 40-75 feet tall with a spread of 25-50 feet. This tree belongs to the Red Oak group, which has bristles on the tips of their leaf lobes.

The Willow Oak originates in the southeastern United States and is found growing in coastal plains in the Atlantic and Gulf regions and in the Mississippi Valley. Much like the Pin Oak, it has similar pin-shaped branches. These trees are intolerant of shade, and the branches die back and break off, leaving short stubs or pins behind.

The flowers are inconspicuous catkins, which develop in the spring with the leaves. Both male and female catkins grow separately on the same tree. The leaves grow up to 5 inches in length and 1 inch wide. They are a glossy dark green and lance-shaped – just like willow leaves. The margins are entire (with no lobes), with a bristle on the tip. The fall color is unremarkable and turns shades of yellow and brown in the fall, much like willow leaves do.

The acorns are round and ½  inch in size. They have scaly cups that are marked with black and brown colored bands. They are an important source of food for birds and mammals.

The Willow Oak is tolerant of wet or dry conditions and compacted soils. Its shallow root system can interfere with sidewalks when planted as a street tree.

Description

Height: 40-75 ft.
Width: 25-50 ft.
Shape: Conical
Flower Color: Yellowish-Green
Flowering Time: April
Fall Color: Yellow-Brown
Features: Beautiful shade tree, graceful conical form
Exposure: Full Sun
Watering: Moderate/Heavy
Soil: Prefers moist loam with good drainage, but is adaptable to different soil types, including clay and poor drainage.
Growth Rate: Moderate-Fast
USDA Zones: 5-9
Uses: Lawn tree, shade tree, street tree, rain garden
Similar Trees: Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria), Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea), Northern Black Oak (Quercus velutina), Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis), Pacific Brilliance™ Pin Oak (Quercus palustris ‘PWJR08’)

Additional information

Shape

Conical

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Flowering Time

April

Fall Color

Brown, Yellow

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

Uses

Lawn Tree, Rain Gardens, Shade Tree, Street Tree

USDA Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Mature Height

40'-50', 50'+

Mature Width

30'-40', 40'+

Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Shade

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