• Home
  • Availability
  • Request our Services
  • Gift Card
  • Hours and Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

Edge Of The Woods Native Plant Nursery, LLC

Specializing in plants native to mid-Atlantic ecosystem

August 23, 2023

Species Spotlight – Willow Oak

The Basics

Sun to part sun
Moist to moderately dry soil. Tolerates clay.
60′-80′ high
Transplants easily
Zones 6-9


The Willow Oak, Quercus phellos, a medium to large species within the “red oak group”, occurs mostly in the Southeastern United States. It occurs from Missouri, south to extreme-eastern Texas, east to the Florida Panhandle, and extending north along the coast to Long Island, New York.

It is listed as a Pennsylvania endangered species, currently only present in a few south-eastern counties of Pennsylvania but naturally absent from the rest of the state.  Even so, it is not hard to grow in the home landscape and even tolerates clay soil.

Form, Habit, Growth Rate

This species usually has more height than spread; commonly growing 40 to 70 feet tall and 25 to 50 feet wide at maturity. Some record-setting trees are over 100′ tall. Its name comes from its leaves, which are small, narrow, and very similar in appearance to those of a willow tree. These leaves make this oak unique, and perhaps a better choice for those who refuse deciduous trees with large leaves.

The Willow Oak grows quickly compared to other oaks. Fall foliage tends to be yellow or gold.  To plant your Willow Oak, choose a moist, well-drained loamy soil in full sun or part shade. It does tolerate poorly drained soils, including those heavy with clay.  Be sure to cage young trees to protect against deer browse and buck rubs.

Best grown in zone 6.  If you are in zone 5, plant in protected area with a southern exposure.

Wildlife Value

Like other oak species, the Willow Oak has remarkable value for wildlife. It serves as a larval host for several butterflies and moths, as well as the Northern Walkingstick (stick insect). Squirrels relish the acorns, as do chipmunks, flying squirrels, deer, foxes, bears, white-footed mice, and raccoons.  Even larger birds will eat them, such as woodpeckers, blue jays, crows, ducks, grouse, quail, pheasants, turkeys, and nuthatches.

 

Article by Louise Schaefer / Plants

Recent Posts

  • Asters for Sun
  • This Week In The Nursery
  • The Native Ferns
  • Nine Reasons to Plant an Oak
  • September News

Open Through October

We plan to remain open for retail shopping through the end of October, weather permitting.

Our Plants

View our plant information here:

Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

Perennial Plants

Retail Shopping Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Our Newsletter

Click here to see recent issue of our e-news.  We send it out weekly during the season, with information on plants.  A fun easy way to learn about natives in small bits at a time.

Plant Lists for Specific Site Conditions

We’ve put together lists for various site conditions.  You will also find links to databases that will help in plant selection.  CLICK HERE

Find Us On Facebook

Testimonials

I have never have seen such a sharp focus on the plant stock that all Pennsylvanians should be growing. Kudos to Edge of the Woods!

Carlo - Reading, PA

Pay Your Services Invoice

Looking to pay your invoice for landscaping services online?  Click Here.

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery, LLC
A WBE Certified Woman Owned Business
Promoting Native Plants Since 2003

2415 Route 100, Orefield, PA 18069
(610) 395-2570
Email Us

Our Nursery

  • Gift Card
  • Our Plants
  • Planning Your Visit
    • -Hours/Directions
    • -Nursery Tours
    • -First Time Visitor?
  • Shipping
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Sample Designs
  • Plant Selection Guides

Our Services

  • Why EOTW?
  • Site Visits
  • Consultation
  • Maintenance & Design
    • -Request Services
    • -Rates
  • Photos
  • Pay An Invoice
  • Our E-Newsletter

Other Info

  • About Us
  • Helpful Links
  • Books
  • Jobs at EOTW
  • Site Index
  • Testimonials
  • Looking for a Program for Your Group?
  • Programs at the Nursery

Connect With Us

Copyright © 2023 · Site Developed by: KLK Web Services, LLC