Quercus phellos
Common name: 
Willow Oak
Pronunciation: 
KWER-kus FEL-os
Family: 
Fagaceae
Genus: 
Quercus
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf deciduous tree, 50-60 ft (15-18 m), excurrent (ie., prolonged main axis from which lateral branches arise), oblong oval crown, fairly open (light shade), descending branches, (growth habit similar to a pin oak); stems slender, reddish-brown to dark brown.  Leaves alternate, simple, 5-13 cm long, narrow (0.8-2.5 cm wide), elliptical or lance-shaped (willow-like), wavy entire margin.  Autumn color yellow or russet red to red.  Small acorns, about 1.5 cm or less.
  • Sun, transplants easier than other oaks, has a fibrous root system.  Prefers moist well-drained soil but can adapt to difficult habitats.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 5      Native range from New York to Florida, west to Missouri and Texas.
  • phellos: according to Jacobson (1996) the term is an ancient Greek name for the cork oak (Q. suber), and for some reason Linnaeus applied it to this species.
  • Corvallis: a row of them north of the Osborn Aquatic Center, Circle Ave. and Highland St.
  • Oregon State Univ. Campus: southwest corner Dixon Recreation Center
Click image to enlarge
  • male catkins and expanding leaves

    male catkins and expanding leaves

  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • foliage

    foliage

  • leafy shoot

    leafy shoot

  • leaves

    leaves

  • plant habit, fall

    plant habit, fall

  • branches, fall

    branches, fall

  • branches, fall

    branches, fall

  • leaves, fall

    leaves, fall

  • trunk, bark

    trunk, bark

  • winter twigs and buds

    winter twigs and buds