Quercus phellos
Common name:
Willow Oak
Pronunciation:
KWER-kus FEL-os
Family:
Fagaceae
Genus:
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