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Quercus phellos

willow oak

A spreading, deciduous tree to 20m tall with an oval to rounded crown and narrow, willow-like, glossy dark green leaves to 12cm long that turn yellow then brown in autumn. Insignificant flowers may be followed by small, rounded acorns in shallow, saucer-shaped cups

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Brown Yellow Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE US

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, lime-free soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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