Quercus phellos

Common Names

Willow Oak, Peach Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak

Summary

Will Willow Oak is a medium-to-large deciduous oak native to the southeastern United States, typically 40–75 feet tall with a 25–50 foot spread, and a pyramidal crown when young that becomes rounded with age. It has slender, lance-shaped leaves with a bristle tip and smooth bark when young that roughens with maturity; it tolerates moist to well-drained soils, from acidic to neutral pH, and is widely planted as a shade tree in urban areas such as streets, parks, and parking-lot islands; acorns are small and provide wildlife value.

Reproduction is by seed beginning around age 20 with crops nearly every year and acorns maturing in the second year; seeds germinate best in moist, well-drained seedbeds with leaf litter, and regeneration often requires advance regeneration before disturbance. The species can also sprout from stumps; it is relatively pest-resistant but can host mites, scale, aphids, and caterpillars, and may suffer from diseases such as anthracnose, canker, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and iron chlorosis on high-pH soils; root rot can occur in confined urban plantings. Willow Oak tolerates drought and urban stresses, thrives in full sun to partial shade, and is commonly used for shade in landscapes and along streets and in large plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

480-900 inches

Spread

300-600 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; does not tolerate shade; tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5).

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-5.5, acidic soil

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green with autumn foliage turning yellow, bronze-orange, yellow-brown, and russet red.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies