Willow oak is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to be up to 100 feet tall. The willow oak is known for its long, slender leaves that are green on top and white on the bottom. The tree also produces small, reddish-brown acorns. The willow oak is a popular tree for landscaping because it is adaptable to various soil types and is relatively drought-tolerant.
Related plant:
Japanese Willow Shrub
About soil condition, willow oak can grow in various types of soil including both poorly drained and well-drained soils but it does best in deep, moist, loamy soils. It also tolerates heavy clay soils and salt well. Once established, this tree is quite drought tolerant.
Like the other oaks, the willow oak is a hardy tree that can withstand a range of environmental conditions. It is tolerant of both sun and shade, although it will grow best in full sun. This makes it a good choice for planting in areas where other trees have difficulty thrive. The willow oak is also drought-tolerant, making it a good option for dry or rocky soils.
The temperature condition of the willow oak is cool and moist. The tree is located in an area where the temperature is cool and the moisture is high. The willow oak is also located near a water source, which helps to keep the tree cool and moist.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60 percent. Willow oak cannot tolerate extremely wet or dry conditions for long periods of time. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to drop and the plant will enter a state of dormancy. If the air is too wet, the leaves will turn yellow and begin to drop. The plant may also develop fungal diseases.
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is known to be heavy feeders. Though a willow oak can tolerate some drought, it prefers moist, well-drained soilsand even wetter conditions, such as along streambanks. It also has relatively shallow roots that can cause sidewalk or driveway damage if the tree isn't properly sited.
Pruning willow oaks is important to maintain their shape and size. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. These trees can also be pruned to remove any suckers that may be growing from the base of the tree.
Propagation is usually done by seed, although cuttings from young trees can also be used. Seedlings should be started in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist until they are established. Cuttings should be taken from young trees in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and placed in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a shady location until the cuttings are established.
Usually, the plant growth rate is fairly slow, with an average of about 13 inches (33 cm) per year. However, some forestry experts have recorded growth rates of up to 24 inches (61 cm) per year for this species. In general, young willow oaks tend to grow faster than older trees. The rapid growth phase for willow oaks usually lasts for the first 10 to 20 years after planting. After that, the growth rate begins to slow down.
Common problems for this kind of plant are bark beetle and oak wilt. Other problems include Verticillium wilt, root rot, and powdery mildew. Bark beetles are small, black insects that burrow into the tree's bark and cause it to become thin and crumble. Oak wilt is a disease that affects the tree's vascular system and prevents water and nutrients from flowing properly. This can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne disease that attacks the tree's roots and can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil and can cause the tree's roots to rot. Powdery mildew is a fungus that grows on the leaves and can cause them to turn brown and drop off.
Source:
Willow Oak - Washington University in St. Louis
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) | Bryn Mawr College
Quercus phellos: Willow Oak - University of Florida
