Quercus phellos is a stately, fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its graceful, willow-like foliage, attractive rounded crown, and adaptability to a range of conditions. Native to the southeastern United States, this oak features smooth, narrow, lance-shaped, glossy dark green leaves (2-5 inches long) with entire (smooth) margins, turning a soft yellow to golden-brown in autumn. It develops a dense, rounded to oval crown with spreading, upright-arching branches and gray-brown, furrowed bark with age. In spring, inconspicuous catkins produce acorns that provide essential food for birds and wildlife. Exceptionally adaptable, it tolerates wet soils (including clay) and transplanting well, making it an outstanding choice for street plantings, parks, large landscapes, and as a shade tree.
