Quercus phellos Willow oak (Fagaceae) Deciduous tree

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Quercus phellos
Willow oak
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Quercus phellos plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - Staten Island to Georgia, west to Texas. It is a member of the Fagaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Willow oak.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Quercus phellos
Common Name:  Willow oak
Family:  Fagaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  20   Mature Width:  10

Habitat:  Low wet borders of swamps and streams, bottom lands and sandy uplands on rich soils[43, 82].

General Uses: A mulch of the leaves repels slugs, grubs etc, though fresh leaves should not be used as these can inhibit plant growth[20]. Oak galls are excrescences that are sometimes produced in great numbers on the tree and are caused by the activity of the larvae of different insects. The insects live inside these galls, obtaining their nutrient therein. When the insect pupates and leaves, the gall can be used as a rich source of tannin, that can also be used as a dyestuff[4]. The bark contains about 10% tannin and is a commercial source of that material[223]. Tannin is also found in the leaves and wood[223]. The seedcups are used as buttons[95]. Wood - close-grained, strong, not hard, heavy, not durable[46, 61, 82, 171, 227]. It weighs 46lb per cubic foot[227]. Of rather low quality for an oak but it is sufficiently abundant to be harvested commercially. The wood is used for construction, fellies of wheels and charcoal[46, 61, 82, 171, 227].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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