treeN. America Native

Willow Oak

Name: Willow Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus phellos

$89.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

100+ years

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in large amounts.

The Story

Plant Bio

A fast-growing deciduous tree in the red oak group, native to the eastern and central United States. It is easily identified by its unique, narrow, willow-like leaves, which give it a fine-textured appearance. Unlike typical oaks with lobed leaves, its slender foliage creates a soft, almost weeping effect. It is also one of the easiest oaks to transplant due to its fibrous root system, making it a popular choice for urban planting.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Willow Oak is a graceful and handsome tree, offering a fine-textured, almost feathery appearance that sets it apart from all other oaks. Its dense, pyramidal to oval crown casts excellent shade, and the leaves turn a lovely yellow-brown in autumn.

Its fast growth rate and tolerance of wet soils and urban pollution make it a highly valuable and widely used tree for street, park, and residential plantings. Its small leaves are easy to clean up in the fall.

Despite its unusual leaves, it is a true oak and a wildlife superstar. It hosts hundreds of species of caterpillars and its small acorns are a preferred food for many birds, including blue jays and wood ducks, as well as squirrels and other mammals.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with moist, acidic soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the root flare is at or slightly above grade.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Water regularly for the first few years to establish a strong root system.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic soil for best health; it is prone to severe iron chlorosis in alkaline soils.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample water, as it naturally grows in bottomlands and along streams.
Allow lower branches to remain on young trees to promote trunk taper.
Test soil pH and amend if necessary to maintain acidity.

Don't

Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils.
Never prune during the growing season (April-October) due to oak wilt risk.
Avoid planting in very dry, sandy soils without supplemental irrigation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful and fast-growing shade treeExcellent street tree due to its adaptabilityPerfect for parks, golf courses, and large properties

Companion Plants

Betula nigra Nyssa sylvatica Itea virginica Clethra alnifolia Osmunda cinnamomea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Willow Oak questions

What zones can Willow Oak grow in?

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 Willow Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Willow Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Willow Oak bloom?

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

Does Willow Oak need full sun?

Willow Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).