Willow Oak — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Quercus phellos |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 30–90 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1825–3650 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 914.4–1828.8 |
| Mature height (cm) | 1219.2–2286 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 914.4–1828.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 5–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained to moderately moist soil in full sun; willow oak is one of the most graceful and distinctive of the native oaks, bearing narrow, willow-like leaves that give the tree an unusually fine-textured, airy appearance very different from other oaks. It grows naturally in moist bottomland forests and upland slopes throughout the Southeast and is one of the most widely planted native oaks as a street and lawn tree, valued for its tolerance of urban soils, relatively fast growth (1–2 feet per year), and adaptability. The small acorns produced abundantly from age 15 onward are a critical food source for wood ducks, mallards, wild turkeys, and many songbirds. The fine foliage turns attractive golden-yellow in fall before dropping cleanly, and the tree's upright-oval form matures into a large, handsome landscape specimen.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0