Willow Oak

The Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) stands as a distinguished emblem of the eastern United States, boasting a grand and imposing stature. This deciduous giant typically reaches heights ranging from 70 to 100 feet, spreading its broad and expansive crown 80 to 100 feet wide. Admired for its rugged yet graceful appearance, the Willow Oak features a thick, deeply furrowed bark that matures into a rough and scaly texture with age. Its leaves, reaching up to 8 inches in length, are adorned with distinctive lobes and wavy margins, turning brilliant shades of yellow, bronze, and brown in the autumn months, enhancing the tree's ornamental allure. A notable hallmark of the Willow Oak is its sizable acorns, measuring up to 2 inches in length and enclosed in a fringed cap, serving as a vital food source for wildlife. Renowned for its adaptability and resilience, the Willow Oak thrives in a diverse range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, preferring full sun exposure while tolerating partial shade. Often revered as a shade tree, the Willow Oak finds its home in expansive landscapes, parks, and urban settings, providing ample shade and withstanding the rigors of urban conditions. With its ecological significance in supporting diverse bird and mammal species, the Willow Oak emerges as an esteemed and cherished arboreal treasure.