Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
Climate Match for your location
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A native deciduous oak with narrow, willow-like leaves that turn yellow to russet in fall. Grows at a moderate rate and adapts well to wet or dry soils.
Why grow it
Willow oak occupies a middle ground among native oaks, offering finer foliage texture than most species while maintaining the hardiness and wildlife value of other oaks. Its narrow leaves create dappled shade rather than dense cover, making it useful where you want filtered light beneath the canopy. The species performs reliably across a broader soil moisture range than many oaks, adapting to both compacted wet sites and drought-prone uplands after establishment.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first few growing seasons to establish a strong root system. In cooler climates at the northern edge of its range, growth may slow noticeably compared to southern plantings. Fallen leaves are slow to decompose, so leaf litter management may be needed if the tree overhangs turf or garden beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native deciduous oak with narrow, willow-like leaves that turn yellow to russet in fall. Grows at a moderate rate and adapts well to wet or dry soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Willow Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Willow oak occupies a middle ground among native oaks, offering finer foliage texture than most species while maintaining the hardiness and wildlife value of other oaks. Its narrow leaves create dappled shade rather than dense cover, making it useful where you want filtered light beneath the canopy. The species performs reliably across a broader soil moisture range than many oaks, adapting to both compacted wet sites and drought-prone uplands after establishment.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first few growing seasons to establish a strong root system. In cooler climates at the northern edge of its range, growth may slow noticeably compared to southern plantings. Fallen leaves are slow to decompose, so leaf litter management may be needed if the tree overhangs turf or garden beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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