Species

Quercus phellosWillow Oak

1 other cultivar

‘Wynstar’Willow Oak

treeN. America Native

Atlantys Willow Oak

Quercus phellos 'Atlantys'

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus phellos is a deciduous shade tree native to the moist floodplains, bottomlands, and stream banks of the eastern and southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its narrow, willow-like leaves that lack the lobes typical of most oaks, turning from a glossy green to yellow-bronze in the fall.

'Atlantys' is a patented, upright-oval selection that maintains a tighter, more pyramidal form and a stronger central leader than the wild species. Its fine-textured spring foliage emerges with distinct reddish tones before maturing to a deep, lustrous green that persists late into the season.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a dense, symmetrical crown with fine-textured, willow-like foliage that turns yellow-bronze in fall.

Highly tolerant of urban pollution, compacted clay, and temporary flooding, making it an excellent street and rain garden tree.

Provides critical nesting habitat and food, with its acorns serving as a primary food source for birds and mammals.

SpeciesQuercus phellosWillow Oak

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590"

Width

413"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

Medium to High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to livestock (tannins)

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a planting site in full sun to very light shade with moist, acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the trunk flare sits slightly above the soil line.
Gently loosen any circling roots from the root ball before positioning the tree in the hole.
Backfill with the excavated soil, tamping lightly to eliminate air pockets, and water deeply.
Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Train a single central leader during the first few winters while the tree is dormant; avoiding aggressive pruning into old, leafless wood prevents patchy, weak regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
Maintain a clear, mulched ring around the trunk to prevent mechanical damage from lawn mowers.
Prune during late winter dormancy to establish a strong, single central leader.

Don't

Do not prune the tree during the spring and summer active growth periods to minimize the risk of oak wilt.
Do not plant in highly alkaline soils, which can cause leaf chlorosis.
Do not apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which can stimulate weak, disease-prone growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade TreeStreet TreeRain GardenSpecimen Tree

Companion Plants

Acer rubrum Taxodium distichum Betula nigra Ilex opaca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Atlantys Willow Oak questions

What zones can Atlantys Willow Oak grow in?

Atlantys Willow Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Atlantys Willow Oak deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Atlantys Willow Oak, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Atlantys Willow Oak bloom?

Atlantys Willow Oak typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Atlantys Willow Oak need full sun?

Atlantys Willow Oak does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Atlantys Willow Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Atlantys Willow Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.