Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) – #7 Container

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

The Willow Oak is one of the most graceful and refined of all native oaks — a tree that surprises with its delicate, willow-like leaves yet delivers all the strength, longevity, and ecological richness of a true oak. Its fine-textured, narrow foliage creates a soft, airy canopy that dances in the breeze through summer, then turns warm shades of yellow and russet in fall before releasing a carpet of tiny leaves that are easy to manage. Adaptable, fast-growing for an oak, and beloved by wildlife, the Willow Oak is a standout choice for a wide range of landscape settings.

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Quercus phellos
• Common Name: Willow Oak
• Mature Height: 40–60 ft with a pyramidal to rounded canopy
• Available Size: 4–5 ft tall at time of purchase
• Container Size: #7 (7-gallon pot)
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast — typically 2–3 ft per year, faster than most oaks
• Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade; best growth and form in full sun
• Soil: Adaptable; tolerates moist, wet, clay, and acidic soils; also performs well in average garden conditions
• Water: Moderate; tolerates periodic flooding and wet conditions
• Maintenance: Low — its small leaves break down quickly and rarely require heavy cleanup; prune in late winter while dormant

Landscape Uses

A popular and versatile shade and street tree widely used in residential landscapes, parks, and urban settings. Its fine-textured foliage provides a softer, more refined look than most oaks, making it an excellent choice where a large shade tree is needed without the bold, coarse texture of traditional oaks. Its abundant small acorns are a critical food source for wood ducks, songbirds, deer, and squirrels. Like all native oaks, it supports a rich community of native insects and caterpillars — a true ecological powerhouse in an elegant package.

Plant arrives in a 7-gallon container at 4–5 ft in height, ready to transplant into your landscape.