Willow Oak Information
Willow oak trees (Quercus phellos) are native to the United States. They are hardy in USDA zones 5 or 6a through 9b, making their range the whole of the west coast, most of the east coast, and the entire south and southwest. The trees are fast growing. When they are young, they have a pyramidal shape, but as they mature their branches take on a wide, even spread. The lowest branches hang down somewhat toward the ground. The trees tend to reach a height of 60 to 75 feet (18-23 m.) with a spread of 40 to 50 feet (12-15 m.). The leaves, unlike other oak trees, are long, thin, and dark green, similar looking in appearance to willow trees. In the autumn, they turn yellow to bronze in color and eventually drop. The trees are monoecious and produce flowers (catkins) in the spring that can lead to some litter. The fruits are small acorns, no bigger than ½ an inch (1 cm.) across.
Willow Oak Tree Care
Growing willow oak trees is easy and very rewarding. While they prefer moist, well-drained soil, they will thrive in almost any kind of soil and are wind, salt, and drought tolerant, making them popular in urban landscapes lining broad streets or filling in parking lot islands. They prefer full sun. They are, for the most part, resistant to both pests and diseases. Though they are drought tolerant, they will also perform well in soil that is perpetually wet. They’ve been used for decades as urban, street lining trees and have proven themselves to be up to the task. It should be noted that in smaller areas, it may be best to avoid the tree, as its height can eventually overpower the area.
