Willow Oak, Peach-leaved Oak
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Fagales, Family: Fagaceae, Genus: Quercus, Species: Quercus phellos · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Quercus phellos
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
Shape
Linear to lanceolate with a pointed apex and tapering base
Size
Approximately 3.5 inches long and 0.8 inches wide, which is typical for a pressed herbarium specimen of this species (adult leaves normally range from 2 to 5 inches long)
Margin
Entire (smooth), though occasionally showing a few irregular teeth or shallow lobes
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Common within its native southeastern and eastern US range, especially in bottomland forests
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, slightly paler underneath; dried herbarium specimen retains a dull greenish-brown tone without prominent variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and fine, reticulate secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Glumaceous to slightly leathery (coriaceous) when fresh, flat and papery in its current pressed herbarium state with a smooth adaxial surface
Description
Quercus phellos, commonly known as the willow oak, is a medium to large deciduous tree famed for its unusual, un-oak-like narrow leaves that resemble those of willows or peaches. It develops a dense, rounded crown, dark grey furrowed bark, and produces small acorns that are a favorite of wildlife. In autumn, the foliage turns a modest yellow-brown before dropping.
Key Features
Unusually narrow, linear-lanceolate leaves with entire margins and a tiny hair-like bristle tip, distinguishing it instantly from almost all other native eastern oaks except laurel oak (which has wider, obovate leaves)
Habitat
Found primarily in moist lowlands, floodplains, along streams, and poorly drained flatwoods, though adaptable to drier urban soils
Geographic Range
Native to the coastal plain and interior river valleys of the eastern and south-central United States, from New York south to Florida and west to Texas
Condition Notes
Good condition for an herbarium mounting; the leaf is intact and securely taped, displaying clear venation and characteristic shape with minimal physical degradation
Interesting Facts
Despite having leaves that look nothing like a typical lobed oak leaf, the willow oak bears true acorns and is genetically a member of the red oak group. It is heavily utilized as a street tree in southern cities due to its narrow canopy and tolerance of urban pollution.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily valued as a prominent shade and street tree in landscaping. Acorns provide an essential high-lipid food source for numerous forest mammals and birds. Historically, native tribes and early settlers used various oak barks for tanning leather and mild astringent preparations.
Ecological Role
Provides critical nesting habitat and food resources for cavity-nesting birds, squirrels, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer through its heavy annual acorn crops. Plays a stabilizing role in riparian buffer zones.
Similar Species
Laurel Oak (Quercus hemisphaerica) and Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria). Laurel oak leaves are broader and more spatulate, while shingle oak leaves are significantly wider and elliptic to oblong.
Foraging Tips
Look for large trees with slender, willow-like foliage hanging over wetland margins, swamp borders, or planted as street trees in the American South and Mid-Atlantic. Collect fallen leaves in autumn or press fresh green ones during spring and summer.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic foliage, but acorns contain high levels of tannins which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress if consumed raw in large quantities by humans or livestock