Willow Oak

Willow Oak

Quercus phellos

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest, Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

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

Scientific Name

Quercus phellos

Common Name

Willow Oak
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
March-May

Ecological Role

Acorns provide forage for squirrels and other wildlife. Willow Oak is the larval host of the White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album).

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Habitat Types

Forest
Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Most common in the southeastern United States, native range from eastern Texas, Florida and north to southern New Jersey.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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