(Quercus phellos)
The Beech Family (Fagaceae)
Medium to large southern oak with willow-like foliage, light gray bark when young, turning brown with narrow ridges when older; straight trunk with a cone-shaped crown which becomes round at maturity. Narrow leaves are simple and arranged alternately along the twig. Tardily deciduous.
Habitat:
Floodplains, stream-banks and bottomland woods.
Interesting Facts:
Known for rapid growth and long life. Important species for wildlife food producing abundant acorns almost every year.
Fruit:
Round acorns .5” long; the cup-shaped cap covers 1/3 to 1/4 of the nut.
Flower:
Male and female flowers on the same tree. Male: slender, yellow-green catkins. Female: tiny, in few flowered clusters at junction of leaf stems.
Wildlife value:
Acorns a major source of food for game animals such as ducks, squirrels, deer and turkey as well as many non-game animals including blue jays and red-headed woodpeckers. Provides shelter for grackles, flickers, mice and flying squirrels.
Bark
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 2.50-5.50 inches
Tree height: 60.00-100.00 feet
PDF link:
Where to find Willow Oak on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
TER - Walker Terrace 31.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.