Photo of Quercus phellos form by Berean Hunter

Photo by Berean Hunter

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Quercus phellos

Also Known As

  • Willow Leafed Oak
  • Willow Oak

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 60'-100'
  • W: 30'-40'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Quercus phellos plant details

Quercus phellos is a broadleaf deciduous tree with. In spring flowers emerge. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant, pollution tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Quercus phellos

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fagaceae
Mature size: 30 FT - 40 FT - wide, 60 FT - 100 FT - tall
Uses: fall color, street tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Quercus phellos

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat, humidity, pollution and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This is an elegant rounded 40-70' tree with slender branches and glossy narrow, smooth-edged, willow-like leaves. It is native to the Southeastern United States, typically being found in moist areas; low woods, swamps and along streams. Dark brown to grey, irregularly-furrowed trunks develop on mature trees. A lovely and fairly fast-growing tree; perfect for rain gardens. S/M-W
One of the most unusual-looking Oak species, the Willow Oak has long, narrow leaves and a dense branching habit. The new growth is bright red and in early spring the whole tree looks like it is in bloom from a distance. As with many other Southern U.S. native Oak species, Willow Oaks are tolerant of wet soils and can grow alongside bogs and creeks. Established trees are also drought tolerant and perform well in a wide range of conditions. Willow Oak trees are fast growing and can reach heights of 30-45 feet in about 15 years.
This is a fine textured tree with high branches, and it makes a great specimen in a lawn or along a roadside. Fall color ranges from brown to yellow to russet red. Easily transplanted and rapid growing, this is among the best of the oaks. Its narrow leaves are easily cleaned up from the lawn. The small acorns, like those of the pin oak, are relished by wildlife.
Delicate foliage pattern resembles willow leaf, yellow fall color. Dense rounded crown. Zones 5-9
Handsome and long-lived southern oak, deciduous with narrow, willow-like foliage, small leaves for easy raking. Grows somewhat fast, reaching 60-80' tall x 30-40' wide with a dense rounded crown. Produces small acorns that provide food for birds. A fine street tree tolerating heat, humidity, air pollution, and even standing water and compacted soils. Drought tolerant for brief periods but grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.

Gardening facts about Quercus phellos plant

How to Grow Quercus phellos

  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • pollution tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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