Quercus phellos Willow oak

Fagaceae

Quercus phellos Willow oak

A tree occurring naturally in North America on moist but well-drained soils. In warm climates semi-deciduous to evergreen, in cold climates mostly deciduous. In the wild it attains a height of 30 m but when cultivated only reaches 15 to 20 m. The smooth dark grey bark becomes rough in older specimens and flakes off in small platelets. Young olive-green shoots are covered with downy hair but quickly become bare and brownish-green. The leaves are narrow lanceolate to sometimes linear and closely resemble those of the willow. They are 5 - 15 cm long and 1 - 1.5 cm wide. On the upper side dark green, the underside bluish-green. The smooth leaf edge is slightly undulating. The autumn colour is light yellow in regions where the leaves fall in the winter. The acorns are at the most one-third enclosed in the cupule.
Specifications
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Height
15 - 20 (30) m
Width
10-12m
Crown
broad ovoid, dark, dense crown
Bark and branches
grey, smooth, later with flaky platelets, twigs olive-green
Leaf
lanceolate, smooth-edged, green, 5 - 15 cm
Flowers
gold-coloured ♂ catkins, May
Fruits
practically round acorns, Ø 1 - 1.5 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
moist, nutritious
Soil moisture
suitable for wet soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
6b (-20,5 to -17,8 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind, resistant to de-icing salt
Application
avenues and broad streets, industrial areas
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
central and south-eastern part of North America
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil calcareous soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to de-icing salt resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for wet soil can withstand wind broad ovoid 1st size , taller than 12 metres dense crown green yellow average growing non-toxic (usually)
Possibly of interest
Frequently asked questions
Quercus phellos

Quercus phellos can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 (30) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Quercus phellos is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 (30) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Quercus phellos is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Quercus phellos with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Quercus phellos blooms in may.
General