Quick answer: Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is native to 16 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist clay or loamy, slightly acid soils - sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 100 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Fruit for mammals and birds, nesting sites, cover, larval host for White M Hairstreak and Horace's Duskywing |
Invasive / regulated
none noted (becomes too large for houses — size consideration, not invasive)
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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