Willow oak (Quercus phellos, Sp. Pl.: 994 (1753))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 994 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Willow oak, scientifically known as Quercus phellos, is an attractive and resilient member of the Fagaceae family. This deciduous tree is native to the central and eastern regions of the United States, where it thrives across a variety of landscapes. Recognizable for its slender, willow-like leaves, Willow oak stands out among its oak counterparts with its distinctive foliage and elegant form.

First described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum” (published in 1753), Willow oak has been appreciated both for its aesthetic appeal and its environmental benefits. It typically grows to heights of 40 to 75 feet, with a spread of 25 to 50 feet, making it an excellent choice for urban landscapes and large gardens.

In terms of care and cultivation, Willow oak prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, although it shows considerable adaptability to different soil types, including those that are compacted or clay-laden. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for landscape architects and urban foresters who seek hardy yet visually appealing trees for public spaces.

The Willow oak’s leaves are narrow and elongated, resembling those of willow trees, hence the name. They provide a vibrant green canopy in the summer, which transitions to a rich golden or bronze hue in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. Additionally, the tree produces small acorns that serve as a valuable food source for wildlife, including squirrels and various bird species.

This particular oak is not only valued for its aesthetic contributions but also for its ecological importance. It offers shade, reduces urban heat islands, and helps with soil stabilization. Its robust root system and tolerance for varied environmental conditions make it a vital component in reforestation and conservation efforts.

In summary, Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is a steadfast and graceful tree that serves multiple roles in both natural and urban settings. Its historical documentation by Linnaeus and its widespread presence in the United States underscore its significance and enduring popularity. As both a protective habitat for wildlife and a decorative element in landscapes, Willow oak is indeed a remarkable and versatile tree.

Common Names

Eng: willow oak
Swe: pilek
En: Willow oak
Cs: Dub vrbolistý
Nl: Wilgbladige eik
Fi: Pajutammi
Ka: Ტირიფის მუხა
De: Weiden-Eiche
Hu: Fűzlevelű tölgy
No: Pileik
Pl: Dąb wierzbolistny
Sv: Pilek
Tr: Söğüt meşesi

Synonyms

• Quercus phellos var. viridis (Aiton)
• Quercus phellos f. intonsa (Fernald)
• Quercus phellos var. sylvatica (Michx.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 18, 2021 by YAPAN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Sid I (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Sid I (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Stephen Gray (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Joe Wooten (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 27, 2020 by Lionel pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Johannes Müller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by susan white (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Gabriel Robitaille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by StealthIntel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by Morgan Jason (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Joe Wooten (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by I Birn (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by I Birn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Alfy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Emilio Herrero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by francois poux (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Fabrice Btn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Radtke Luiz Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Leo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Jen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Zala Goupil (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by StealthIntel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Shayla Magee (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2880652)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284113-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus phellos L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 4.5