Quercus phellos
Copyright, Arboretum, Salisbury University
Willow Oak is a large
tree, growing up to 120 feet tall. Its trunk
can be several feet wide. This oak looks different
from other oaks because of its leaves. Instead of having
wide leaves with lobes, Willow Oak has many slender leaves
like a willow. Leaves are green and up to five inches long,
but only about an inch wide. You can tell its an oak and not
a willow, because the leaves do not have teeth,
and because there is a tiny bristle (like a hair) at the
tip. Willow Oak leaves turn pale yellow in the
Fall. Willow Oaks grow in
forests
with other oaks, but are usually seen along streams or in
marshes. Copyright, Arboretum,
Salisbury University Hugh Wilson Willow Oaks have two
different flowers, male and female. The male flowers are
easiest to recognize, because they are long yellowish-green
catkins
which hang down. The fruit of this tree,
like all oaks, is an acorn.
Willow Oak acorns are about 1/2 inch long, with a
greenish-brown saucer. The bark of this tree is
grayish-brown and older trees have furrows
(deep wrinkles). Copyright, Auburn
University Some other plants found
growing near Willow Oaks, include: White Oak, Black Oak,
pines, Sweetgum, Yellow Poplar, American Elm, Red Maple,
American Hornbeam, hawthorns, Greenbrier, Wild Grape,
Trumpet Creeper, and Poison Ivy. Animals that eat Willow
Oak acorns include: Blue Jay, Wild Turkey, Wood Duck,
Mallard, Red-headed Woodpecker, White-tailed Deer,
squirrels, Common Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted
Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Meadow Vole, White-footed Mouse,
Raccoon, Red Fox, Virginia Opossum, and Northern
Bobwhite. Deer also eat young
trees, along with Beaver and Eastern Cottontail. Many animals use these
trees for shelter,
cover,
and nesting. Willow Oak is affected by
the same fungi
as other oaks, including Witches' Butter, Crowded Parchment,
and Honey Mushrooms. Several climbing
vines
become parasites
of these trees including Poison Ivy and Trumpet
Creeper. Copyright, Mark Brand,
UConn Plant Database
Copyright,
Arboretum, Salisbury University
