Quercus phellos

Common Name
Willow oak
Plant Form
Large Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
75.0
Width (ft)
25.0 - 50.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont

Photographer: Diana Gibson
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Ashley M Bradford
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: mefisher
Licensed under: CC0 1.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: bottomlands or low flatwoods and upland old fields

Wildlife value:  High wildlife value for food and habitat. It supports a wide variety of butterflies and moths plus small mammals and songbirds. The Acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, blue joys, small mammals, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and black bear and are can be eaten by people after tannins are leached or boiled out. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees

Notes: Very adaptible and handsome tree, easy to grow. Needs acid soils. Willow-like leaves require little raking. Great avenue tree

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Green
Flower Prominence
Reduced
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
March
April
Fall Color
Brown/Copper
Burgandy/Red
Gold/Yellow
Orange
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Top 30 for Butterfly and Moth Caterpillars?
Yes
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
534
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
0 0 Row 6 View My Wishlist
Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes

Gallon

View My Wishlist