Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
Description:
The willow oak is unique in appearance with its blade-like leaves. Tree shape resembles that of pin oak, with downward-sloping lower branches when grown in the open. Acorns are very small and bitter, but are a good food source for wildlife especially when they are the most abundant acorn. Songbirds love the acorns due to their small size.
Distribution:
Southeastern US, ranging from southeastern Oklahoma up to southern New Jersey, south to northern Florida.
Habitat:
Bottomlands, poorly drained upland areas, swamps. Adaptable to a wider variety of habitat; very popular in landscaping.
Leaf:
Oblong, very narrow, with no lobes; resembling the leaf of a willow tree.
Bark:
Light to dark gray, ranging from smooth to coarsely fissured.
Acorn:
Small (1/2") with brown stripes when ripe; shallow cap covering about 1/4 of the nut.
Gallery
Look-alike oaks:
Pin Oak - tree shape, bark, and habitat are similar; however, pin oak has a lobed leaf typical of most red oaks.
Water Oak - bark and habitat similar; leaf shape of willow oak is more narrow and blade-like while water oak leaves are broader at the apex.
Shingle Oak - both species have non-lobed leaves; however, shingle oak leaves are broader, shaped more like that of laurel. Willow oak leaves are very narrow.