Quercus phellos
Quercus phellos · Fagaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around quercus phellos and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Willow oak
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (catkins)
- Mature size
- 50 to 80 feet tall, rounded crown
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Hardiness
- Zone 5 to 9 (minimum -25 °C)
- Origin
- United States (southeastern)
- Soil
- Moist to cool, well-drained
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, this oak appreciates moist soils and tolerates periods of abundant rainfall well. During prolonged drought, moderate watering remains beneficial, especially for young trees.
Exposure
Plant Quercus phellos in full sun for optimal growth and dense foliage. It tolerates partial shade, but development will be less vigorous. A sunny exposure also ensures beautiful autumn foliage coloration.
Soil and terrain
This oak prefers acidic to neutral, moist and well-drained soils. It adapts to slightly compacted ground and even tolerates poor soils. Enrich the planting hole with potting soil or well-decomposed compost for better establishment.
Pruning and shaping
Pruning Quercus phellos is not essential if you want a natural form. To structure the shape, intervene in late winter before sap rises. Remove dead, crossing, or poorly oriented branches. Avoid severe pruning, which promotes disease.
Fertilizing and nutrition
This tree does not require regular fertilizer applications once established. An annual application of well-decomposed compost in autumn is sufficient to enrich the soil and maintain vitality. Oaks in forests feed on the natural organic matter in the soil.
Pests and diseases
Quercus phellos is generally robust and rarely affected by serious diseases. Nevertheless, watch for powdery mildew during humid and warm weather, which affects young shoots. Wood borers can occasionally affect weakened trees. Keep the tree in good health through proper structure and appropriate watering.
Did you know?
Quercus phellos owes its common name 'Willow oak' to its remarkable ability to thrive in wetlands and depressions of the southeastern United States. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves, very different from the classic European oak, give it particular elegance and take on a beautiful yellow to reddish color in autumn.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- European beechFagus sylvatica
- Sessile oakQuercus petraea
- Sweet chestnutCastanea sativa
- Downy oakQuercus pubescens
- Holm oakQuercus ilex
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.