![]() Although the small oval brown acorns are edible, they have a somewhat bitter taste. Like most species of red oak trees, the willow oak acorns take two years to mature. The willow oak acorns are identified by their shallow, warty cups covering one-third of the nut and pale vertical lines on the thick leathery shell. The small barrel-shaped brown nuts measure 0.31” to 0.5” (8 – 12 mm) long and wide. ![]() The edible acorns of the willow oak are small and dark brown in color. Related reading: Stunning Florida oak trees. The majestic oak with its broad, spreading crown and lush foliage make the willow oak an excellent shade tree in open landscapes. The natural range of the willow oak is from northern Florida and along the east coast to Long Island and then west to Missouri and Texas. This growth habit of the willow oak also means that it has natural protection against various root diseases, like root rot. This feature makes the willow oaks relatively easy to transplant if necessary. Willow oak trees have a fibrous root system that is relatively shallow. ![]() Growing in full sun and well-drained, moist soil, the majestic willow oak tree will grow between 12” and 24” (30 – 60 cm) per year. In ideal conditions, willow oak trees have a medium to fast growth rate. Willow oak trees thrive in most soil types, including clay soils, that are well-drained and consistently moist. The robust, hardwood trees are extremely versatile. The hardy willow oak trees prefer full sun but also grow in partial shade. Willow oaks perform best in USDA zones 5 through 9. A willow oak can live for more than 100 years. Unlike the typical lobed leaves of common oak trees, the willow oak has lance-shaped leaves resembling those of a willow tree.Īs it matures, the willow oak is identified by its oval, rounded habit with upward spreading branches, a straight trunk, and finely-textured lanceolate leaves. However, the way to tell the willow oak apart from other oak trees is by its leaves. Like all trees, the willow oak has specific characteristics making it unique. (20 – 30 m) tall, and its dark brownish-gray trunk can be up to 5 ft. ![]() The willow oak grows between 65 and 100 ft. The willow oak tree ( Quercus phellos) is a North American native tree in the genus Quercus and family Fagaceae. It’s something for us to be aware of and consistently, our native oaks have been under threat for a few years,” Wiecks said.Willow oak trees (Quercus phellos). “Fruit production in trees and conifers is often a sign of increased stress. While experts said an acorn mast year is a normal phenomenon, some worry that shedding of the nuts amid the warming climate may be a sign of overly stressed trees.Īt the 691-acre Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, arborists are seeing a heavy supply of falling acorns from 40 different species of oak tree, said director Kevin Wiecks. Trees that may be stressed by warmer weather or drought or are dying may also shed a large number of acorns, Runkel said. “There’s no concrete scientific evidence or one attribute that contributes to a mast year,” said Michael Runkel, director of grounds at Hofstra University.Įven with Long Island’s wooded ecosystem, the region’s tree canopy is declining due to development and climate change affecting trees that normally produce acorns and beechnuts. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy.
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