SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus phellos

COMMON NAME: Willow Oak

GARDEN SIZE: 40–75 ft. tall x 25–50 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: up to 1-2 ft. per year under ideal conditions

USDA ZONE: 5–9

EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade

WATER & SOIL: Average, medium to wet, well-drained soils; adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils; tolerates moist and occasionally dry soils

HABIT (FORM): Medium to large, deciduous tree with an oval to rounded crown

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; narrow, willow-like leaves (4–5" long and 1" wide), smooth-edged and bristle-tipped at the apex; fall color ranges from yellowish-orange to red-brown

FLOWERS: Insignificant; yellow-green male flowers in pendulous catkins and female flowers in short spikes

BLOOM TIME: March to April

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to the Southeastern United States, found in the woods near swamps, streams, or canals

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Provides acorns for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer; valuable for habitat and cover. Oaks are one of the most important, if not the most important, host plants for local insects.

FERTILIZING: Fertilizer not recommended. If desired, you may top dress with no more than 1 inch of organic compost per season.

PRUNING: Prune in late winter to maintain structure and remove dead or damaged branches

USES: Shade tree for parks, golf courses, large yards, street tree, or near water gardens and ponds