Willow
Quercus phellos
Fagaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
Quercus phellos (Fagaceae) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States from New York to Florida and west to Missouri and Texas. It grows 50 to 60 feet tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. The narrow, willow-like leaves (2 to 5 inches, entire margins) are unique among oaks, resembling a willow more than a typical oak.
Willow oak grows in full sun on moist, acidic soil and tolerates wet conditions, clay, and seasonal flooding. It is fast growing for an oak and transplants readily. The species carries the highest documented pest and disease load in the oak collection: 27 diseases and 26 pests. Fall color is yellow to bronze. Hardy in Zones 5a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Primary Spore Release
Spring Canker Activation
Spring Spore Germination and Infection
Spore Release (Fall & Spring Rains)
+ 11 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Phenological Calendar
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | Apr 1-Apr 30 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | Apr 15-May 15 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 | Sep 1-Nov 30 |
| Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 | Oct 1-Nov 15 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | Nov 15-Feb 28 |