Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

About these specimens: These three willow oaks are lovely examples of this beloved street tree. The generously long shared tree pit is worth noting. The open pavers in between the trees not only allow water and air to reach the roots but also permit the roots of the trees to intertwine and support each other. Trees planted in this way are much more stable and able to withstand wind gusts.

Leaf type: finger shaped with wavy margins that turn shades of bronze and red in the fall Bark: gray-brown, becoming rough with shallow furrows and ridges and thick scales Flowers: inconspicuous catkins
Fruit: very small acorns, usually 1⁄2” long and wide, taking two years to mature

Origin: native to southern United States from New York to Florida and Texas Average mature size in city: 60’ tall

Other notable features: has a straight stem with much smaller side branches; lower branches aim downward. Known as a favorite of Thomas Jefferson.