Willow Oak         KWER-kus FEL-os

• Broadleaf deciduous tree, 50-60 ft (15-18 m), excurrent (ie., prolonged main axis from which lateral branches arise), oblong oval crown, fairly open (light shade), descending branches, (growth habit similar to a pin oak); stems slender, reddish-brown to dark brown.  Leaves alternate, simple, 5-13 cm long, narrow (0.8-2.5 cm wide), elliptical or lance-shaped (willow-like), wavy entire margin.  Autumn color yellow or russet red to red.  Small acorns, about 12 mm or less.
• Sun, transplants easier than other oaks, has a fibrous root system.  Prefers moist well-drained soil but can adapt to difficult habitats.
• Hardy to USDA Zone 5      Native range from New York to Florida, west to Missouri and Texas.
• phellos: according to Jacobson (1996) the term is an ancient Greek name for the cork oak (Q. suber), and for some reason Linnaeus applied it to this species.
• Oregon State Univ. campus: large tree on west side of Stand Ag. Hall.
• Corvallis: a row of them north of the Osborn Aquatic Center, Circle Ave. and Highland St.