Quercus phellos
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Quercus phellos, the willow oak, is a North American species of a deciduous tree in the red oak group of oaks. It is native to the south-central and eastern United States.
Description
It is a medium-sized tree growing to Script error: No such module "convert". tall (exceptionally to Script error: No such module "convert".), with a trunk up to Script error: No such module "convert". in diameter (exceptionally Script error: No such module "convert".). It is distinguished from most other oaks by its leaves, which are shaped like willow leaves, Script error: No such module "convert". long and Script error: No such module "convert". broad with an entire (untoothed and unlobed) margin; they are bright green above, paler beneath, usually hairless but sometimes downy beneath. The fruit is an acorn, Script error: No such module "convert". long, and almost as wide as long, with a shallow cup; it is one of the most prolific producers of acorns.[1] The tree starts acorn production around 15 years of age, earlier than many oak species.[2]
Willow oaks can grow moderately fast (height growth up to Script error: No such module "convert". a year), and tend to be conic to oblong when young, rounding out and gaining girth at maturity (i.e. more than 50 years).Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Distribution and habitat
The species is most common in the American south and eastern states.[3] It can be found from Long Island Sound south to northern Florida, and west to southernmost Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas.[4] Its natural range extends into southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. It has also historically been recorded as occurring in Lancaster, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties, chiefly on wet sites, occasionally in drier, upland ones.[5] Much of that area has been built over and developed since World War II, and the tree is now classified as endangered in the state.
It is most commonly found growing on lowland floodplains, often along streams, but rarely also in uplands with poor drainage, up to Script error: No such module "convert". in altitude.
Ecology
The acorns are eaten by squirrels and other wildlife.[1]
Uses
Economic uses are primarily as an ornamental tree and the wood for pulp and paper production, but also for lumber; it is often marketed as "red oak" wood.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
The willow oak is one of the most popular trees for horticultural planting, due to its rapid growth, hardiness, balance between axial and radial dominance, ability to withstand both sun and shade, light green leaf color and full crown. Despite being heavily used in landscaping in the Southern US (in cities such as Washington, D.C., Raleigh, Charlotte, and Atlanta) around malls, along roads, etc., the trees tend to grow larger than planners expect, which often leads to cracked sidewalks.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
References
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- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Template:EFloras
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Template:BONAP
- ↑ Illick, Joseph (1928), Pennsylvania Trees.
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External links
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Quercus phellos Plant Profile
- Quercus phellos information and images from Vanderbilt University
- Interactive Distribution Map of Quercus phellos Script error: No such module "webarchive".
- photo of herbarium specimen at Missouri Botanical Garden, collected in Missouri in 1897