willow oak
Quercus phellos
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size40 to 75 feet tall25 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow-green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its long, narrow leaves look like willow leaves and turn yellow or russet in fall. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Give it plenty of room, since it grows too large for planting close to houses.
Pairs well with River birch, Oakleaf hydrangea, Switchgrass, and Serviceberry.
Native range
Southeastern United States.