Oak Hightower Willow

Quercus phellos ‘Qpsta’ hightower

Hightower Willow Oak is a cultivar of the Willow Oak that was selected for its characteristics of a straight central leader with good branching habits. They grow to a mature size of about 55-65 feet tall by 30-45 feet wide and is often distinguished from other oaks by its long slender leaves. The leaves are a dark green during the summer and they turn a beautiful yellow color during the fall. It has a smooth, gray to gray-brown trunk. Hightower Willow Oak is the first clonally produced Willow Oak from vegetative cuttings in commercially viable numbers.

They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once they are established, they will grow in hard dry soils or in poorly drained sites, in sand or clay. Once established they are very adaptable and tough. Hightower Willows grow throughout Zones 6 to 9. The Hightower Willow Oak is a popular tree for landscapes due to its hardiness, ability to withstand both sun and shade, light green leaf color and full crown. They make great shade or residential street trees in addition to parking lots.

Ornamental Characteristics:

Native Origin:
Eastern United States, Florida Panhandle to New Jersey to Eastern Texas

Common Names:
Hightower Willow Oak

Description:
Hardy Range: 6 to 9
Mature Height: 55’
Mature Spread: 30’
Growth Rate: 16 years to maturity
Form: pyramidal when young, rounded when older
Persistence: deciduous

Ornamental Characteristics:
Foliage color is green, turning yellow in the fall.

Environment:
Soil: prefers wet
Salt: low
Exposure: full sun