Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
Last reviewed: June 2026
Willow Oak is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the southeastern and south-central United States. It blooms from March to May and supports butterflies and nectar insects.
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Willow Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 480"–720" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 16 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Willow Oak is a large, stately shade tree with narrow, willow-like leaves that turn yellow in fall. This fast-growing native oak develops a pyramidal shape when young, maturing into a broad, rounded canopy that provides excellent shade for large properties.
Growing Willow Oak
Grow Willow Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 480 to 720 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Willow Oak takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
Supports butterflies and nectar insects during its spring bloom period. As a native oak, it also provides important habitat and food for numerous bird species and other wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is Willow Oak naturally found?
- Willow Oak is native to 21 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, from New York south to Florida and west to Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
- When does Willow Oak bloom?
- Willow Oak blooms from March through May, producing small inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated.
- What wildlife does Willow Oak support?
- Willow Oak provides nectar for various insects and serves as a host plant for butterfly larvae. The acorns are also valuable food for wildlife.
- What growing conditions does Willow Oak prefer?
- Willow Oak grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun. It adapts to various moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it versatile for different landscape conditions.
- Is Willow Oak toxic to dogs?
- Willow Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Willow Oak toxic to cats?
- Willow Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Willow Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Willow Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Willow Oak HOA-friendly?
- Willow Oak takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Willow Oak fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.