Quercus phellos , ordinarily get laid as the Willow Oak , is a member of theQuercusgenus in the Fagaceae house . It falls within the red oak group , characterized by leaves with pointed lobes and acorn that take two years to mature . However , Willow Oak is alone among oaks for its willow - corresponding , narrow leave of absence , which are lancelike rather than lobed , setting it apart from most other oak species in appearing .

Willow Oak is aboriginal to the southeastern United States . Its natural range stretch out from southeasterly Virginia , Dixieland through North Carolina , South Carolina , Georgia , and Florida , westwards to Louisiana , and north to Tennessee , Arkansas , and parts of Missouri . It typically live riverbank , swamp edge , and other wetland areas , showcasing its predilection for moist , well - drained dirt .

Historically , Quercus phelloshas been valued for its Sir Henry Joseph Wood , which , while not as hard as some other oaks , is indestructible and often used in construction , cabinetry , and furniture . Its name reflects the resemblance of its leave to those of the willow tree tree diagram . The Willow Oak has been extensively embed for urban landscaping due to its riotous growth , ability to tolerate compacted soils , and its aesthetic appealingness with its fine - textured leafage . It ’s also significant in ecological refurbishment , especially along watercourse , where it can facilitate stabilize banks and provide habitat .

Willow Oak is well - adjust to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 . This range supports its predilection for warmer mood but also allow for cultivation in area where winters are not extremely severe . Within these zone , it thrives in conditions that mimic its aboriginal habitat , offering both functional and ornamental benefits . Its margin for both wet and urban conditions has made it increasingly democratic in city , where it ’s often used for street tree diagram planting or in park and along water bodies . However , its susceptibility to chlorosis in alkaline soils should be view in site selection .

The image ofQuercus phellos , or Willow Oak , twain across the southeastern United States . It extends from southeastern Virginia , southward through North Carolina , South Carolina , Georgia , and Florida , and then westwards into Louisiana , with its front also take down in Tennessee , Arkansas , and region of Missouri . This mintage is commonly found in moist environments like riverside , swamp margins , and other area with well - enfeeble , wet soils , highlighting its adaptation to riparian and wetland habitats .

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos): Characteristics

Growth Habit

Quercus phelloshas a distinctive , upright development habit with a narrow , oval to rounded crown when fledged . In undefended landscapes , it can form a more disseminate canopy , but in urban environments or when planted nearer together , it maintains a marvellous , minute silhouette . This make it particularly suitable for street tree planting where space is at a premium .

Size

Willow Oaks can spring up to heights of 40 to 75 feet , with some specimens reaching up to 100 feet under optimum conditions . Their spread is broadly less than their tiptop , typically range from 30 to 50 feet , providing a moderate to great shade canopy .

Growth Rate

This specie is know for its relatively fast growth rate among oaks , often growing 2 to 3 foot per class when young , though the rate slow with maturity . This rapid growth makes it an excellent selection for quick landscape establishment .

Leaves

The leaves of Willow Oak are unequaled among oak for their narrow , lancelike shape , resemble willow leaves more than the lobate leaf of typical oak . They are 2 to 5 inches long , with a bright fleeceable semblance on both sides and no lobes , just okay serrations along the border . In autumn , they turn icteric or dark-brown before fall .

Lifespan

Willow oak can inhabit for 100 to 200 years , with some trees reach over 300 year under ideal weather condition , show good seniority for an urban Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

Bark

Young trees have smooth , gray barque that becomes more textured with age , developing shallow furrows and a somewhat scaly appearance , eventually turn dark-skinned gray to nearly black with thin , unpredictable ridge .

Roots

The root scheme of Willow Oak include a taproot in its youth , which provide anchorage . As it matures , it develops a meshwork of sidelong roots , which can overspread widely , aiding in constancy and nutritive uptake . However , this can also lead to challenge with substructure like sidewalks or origination in urban setting if not give sufficient space .

extra equipment characteristic :

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos): Cultivation

land site Selection

Select a web site with full sun picture for optimal growth , though Willow Oak can tolerate some shade . It ’s particularly well - suited to surface area with moist , well - drained dirt but is adaptable to various soil character , admit the Great Compromiser and loam , as long as they are not systematically waterlogged . Given its natural habitat along riverside , believe plant near body of water bodies or in landscapes where you may mimic these conditions . However , be aware of its ripe size of it to ensure there ’s enough room for its spread and root system .

Planting :

lachrymation

Water soundly after embed to help settle the ground around the roots . immature tree need regular watering to establish , especially during wry spells , but once established , Willow Oak is relatively drought - tolerant due to its cryptical root arrangement . However , ordered wet in the first few years will bear better growth . Reduce watering in fall to make the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for wintertime dormancy .

Mulching

implement a 2 - 3 inch stratum of mulch around the base of the tree to economise soil moisture , suppress smoke , and regulate filth temperature . Keep mulch off from direct contact with the trunk to prevent rot .

fertilisation

Willow Oaks typically do n’t postulate frequent fertilisation if plant in upright dirt . If grime test suggest nutrient deficiencies , utilize a balanced , slow - release fertilizer in early leaping . Avoid gamy - nitrogen plant food that can lead to excessive leafage growth over root ontogenesis .

Pruning :

Pest and Disease Management

Willow Oak can be susceptible to oak wilt disease , particularly in regions where this disease is prevalent . supervise for sign of the zodiac of wilt or folio discolouration and manage through right pruning practices or antifungal if necessary . Other possible issues include borers or scale insect , bring off through integrated plague direction , emphasizing lifelike ascendency where potential .

recollective - terminal figure Care :