Quick answer: Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is native to 23 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Freekhou5, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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 |
none noted (becomes too large for houses — size consideration, not invasive)
Buying it
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
See where to buy →Quick answers about Willow oak
Where is Willow oak native?
Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is native to 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Willow oak bloom?
Willow oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Willow oak need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist. Soil: Moist clay or loamy, slightly acid soils - sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay. Mature height: Up to 100 ft tall.
Is Willow oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit for mammals and birds, nesting sites, cover, larval host for White M Hairstreak and Horace's Duskywing.
Is Willow oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Willow oak is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Willow oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus phellos on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Willow oak.
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- White fringetree Chionanthus virginicus
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Black willow Salix nigra
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.