Quercus phellos | willow oak

ARCHIVED PLANT. This page serves as reference only. We are no longer propagating this plant.

Willow Oak is one of the prettiest red oak trees that is hardy to zone 5. Delicate, willow like leaves emerge bright green in spring, darken over the summer, then turn yellow or russet in fall. Rounded acorns are much loved by mammals and birds.

Like most oaks, it prefers evenly moist, well-drained acidic soil in full sun, but it will adapt to a wide range of conditions. Tolerant of clay and urban pollution. Grows relatively quickly. Transplants more easily then most other oaks.

Zones: 5 to 9
Family: Fagaceae
Type: Deciduous Tree
Height: 40 to 75 ft.
Spread: 25 to 50 ft.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Conditions: Average, moist to wet, well-drained soil
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Color: Yellow-green
Native Range: south-central and eastern United States from New York to Florida and west to Texas

Special Characteristics

Clay tolerant
Outstanding fall color
Natural dye plant

image credits

Image 1 (mature form) Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image 2 (fall color) Berean Hunter, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Image 3 (spring) Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image 4 (acorns) Franklin Bonner, USFS (ret.), Bugwood.org, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons