Willow oak
Quercus phellos
Text and photo by Ellen Nibali
No leaves to rake up? Under a big shade tree? Sounds like a dream, but willow oaks come closest.
The long, thin leaves, so unusual for an oak, disperse by autumn winds and can seemingly disappear in the landscape. Mowing speeds up their decomposition.
Leaves unfurl yellow-bronze in spring, maturing to a deep green. Fall color ranges from yellow to bronze to reddish-browns.
This east coast native reaches about 40-60 feet or higher in a highly favorable spot. Pyramidal in youth, willow oaks become more spreading and oval with age. Saplings may need pruning to encourage a single leader. Very flexible in its cultural requirements, willow oak prefers moist well-drained soil. Transplant when dormant.