A popular street and shade tree with a rounded crown and slender, fine-textured, willow-like foliage that turns yellow in the fall. The Willow Oak is easily distinguishable from most other oaks by the narrow leaves. Resembling a Willow tree, it is recognized as an oak by the acorns and the tiny bristle tip at the end of the leaves. It has shallow roots, making it readily transplanted. The acorns are enjoyed by many animals, particularly squirrels. Height: 40-60’ Spread: 30-60’
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fagales
Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Quercus
Species: Quercus phellos
Habitat
Forest, Wetland
Distribution
Most common in the southeastern United States, native range from eastern Texas, Florida and north to southern New Jersey.
Seasonality
Spring, Summer, Fall
Abundance
Common
Activity Time
Diurnal
Diet
Behavior
Ecological Role
Acorns provide forage for squirrels and other wildlife. Willow Oak is the larval host of the White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album).