The Willow Oak tree, Quercus phellos, is one of the most popular trees for streets, parks, estates, and residential properties. This shade tree is also grown as far north as Cape Cod with reasonable success. A beautiful specimen oak, the Willow Oak is a relatively fast growing species, about 2’ a year. Willow Oak trees have moderate water requirements and a moderate tolerance to salt and alkali soils.
This deciduous trees fall color is yellow to yellow-brown. The Willow Oak is a good street tree because it is tolerant of heat, drought, air pollution and standing water. Acorns are a good food source for birds and squirrels. The small leaves are easy to clean up in the fall.