November’s Native Maryland Plant
Quercus phellos
(KWURK-us FELL-us) L.
Common Name: Willow Oak
As master gardeners, naturalists and watershed stewards we are often asked to recommend trees suitable for a yard, community planting or restoration project. When this happens, we often turn to our Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping manual for guidance. The list of native trees is diverse, but the number of native Quercus species listed is twice that of the second most populace species, Pinus. It should come as no surprise then, that in the mid-Atlantic states much of our forest is defined by the Quercus (Oak) genus.
In fact, Quercus species are highly valued for the vast ecosystem services they provide and are considered ‘keystone’ species for the inherent value they bring to an environment. Across the nation ‘Oaks are ranked either number one or number two in their support of the food web in 84% of all U.S. counties in which they occur.¹
I frequently recommend Oaks on projects because of their ecological value and because there is an oak to fit most any site condition. Quercus phellos is commonly planted as an ornamental tree; planted in a ‘good’ site it has moderate to rapid growth, it’s able to withstand sun and part-shade, is salt and wind-tolerant (once established) and has easily compostable willow-like leaves. Like all oaks, Quercus phellos is an excellent shade tree that casts a long shadow that can shade a home or paved area; it is a suitable street tree if there are no overhead wires.
When using trees in a landscape it is always important to discuss maintenance. A tree needs its requisite sun, water, and room to grow, but it also needs to be protected from invasive species that may climb its trunk and smother its branches. To thrive, routine maintenance should include identifying and removing invasive species from around its trunk and beneath its branches.
If you want to increase biodiversity, help protect your watershed, and improve air quality, look for places where you can plant this keystone species - you should not have to go far.
¹ Nature’s Best Hope, Doug Tallamy (Narango, Tallamy and Shropshire 2018)
~ Alison Milligan – Mstr. Gardener/Mstr. Naturalist/Mstr. Watershed Steward
Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP)