Contents [hide]
Description
Quercus Phellos, commonly known as the willow oak, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can grow up to 80 feet tall with a spread of 40-50 feet. The tree is known for its slender, willow-like leaves that are long, narrow, and pointed, and it produces acorns that are a valuable food source for wildlife. Willow oak is a popular ornamental tree and is often planted in parks, residential areas, and along streets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The willow oak has a narrow and upright growth habit, with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown. The tree’s bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed, and its leaves are alternate, simple, and elongated, measuring up to 5 inches long and 1 inch wide. The leaves have a glossy green upper surface and a pale green lower surface and turn yellow or brown in the fall. The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by small, brown, and round acorns that are up to 1 inch long.
Care Guide
The willow oak is a hardy and low-maintenance tree that can thrive in a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your willow oak:
- Water: Water your tree regularly during the first few years after planting to help establish its root system. After the tree is established, it can tolerate drought conditions.
- Fertilization: Willow oak does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if necessary.
- Soil: Willow oak prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
- Sunlight: Willow oak prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Willow oak is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The willow oak is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by some common issues:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, dark spots on the leaves that can merge and cause the leaves to drop prematurely. It can be controlled with fungicides.
- Scales: These small insects can infest the tree’s leaves and branches, causing yellowing and premature leaf drop. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Borers: These insects can bore into the tree’s trunk and branches, causing dieback and eventual death. They can be controlled with insecticides or by removing and destroying infested branches.
Habitat
The willow oak is native to the southeastern United States, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including floodplains, bottomlands, and upland forests. The tree prefers moist soils but can tolerate drought and is often found growing along rivers and streams. Willow oak is an important source of food and habitat for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the growth rate of the willow oak?
A: Willow oak has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically growing 1-2 feet per year.
Q: How often should I prune my willow oak?
A: Willow oak does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it in the winter to remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can I grow willow oak in a container?
A: Willow oak is not suitable for container growing, as it requires a large root system to support its size.
Q: Is willow oak a good shade tree?
A: Yes, willow oak is an excellent shade tree and can provide ample shade for outdoor activities.
Related Plants
- Quercus alba (White oak)
- Quercus rubra (Red oak)
- Quercus palustris (Pin oak)
- Quercus coccinea (Scarlet oak)
References
- “Quercus Phellos (Willow Oak).” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=288056.
- “Quercus Phellos.” NC State Extension, 22 Jan. 2020, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/quercus-phellos/.
- “Willow Oak.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/willow-oak.
