Willow Oak
Specifications
- Latin (scientific) name: Quercus phellos. Phellos is the ancient Greek name for an oak.
- Life expectancy: 75 years
- Height: 112 feet
- Circumference: 18 feet
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The height and circumference measurements listed above are for the largest-known willow oak in the Atlanta area. This tree is located on private property in Avondale Estates.
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Special characteristics:
The leaves of the willow oak are similar in shape to a willow tree’s leaves. They are long and narrow, and make a delightful swishing sound in the wind.
The willow oak tree grows very fast. It can increase 1.5 inches in diameter per year if the rainfall is normal. If you are planting a new one, leave it lots of room!
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Annoyance factors:
Acorns are very small, only about ½ inch.
Dead wood: This tree's branches are brittle, and so it sheds a lot of dead twigs. You’ll find them on the ground after a stiff wind. But they are generally small and just make a cleanup problem if you like a tidy yard.
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Photo Credits:
Bark of mature tree: Peter Jenkins, TreeInspection.com
Bark of a young tree: David Stephens, Bugwood.org
Leaves: Peter Jenkins, TreeInspection.com
Flowers: Steven J. Baskauf, Vanderbilt University Bioimages
Acorns: Franklin Bonner, USFS (ret.), Bugwood.org