Willowleaf Live Oak Plant Care

Willowleaf Live Oak (Cerris salicifolia) belongs to the Fagaceae family within the Cerris genus. Willowleaf Live Oak is native to central and southern Mexico and Central America, from Jalisco to Panama. Willowleaf Live Oak is also known as Willow-leaf Live Oak.

Willowleaf Live Oak displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Willowleaf Live Oak produces inconspicuous catkins.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Willowleaf Live Oak every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Willowleaf Live Oak thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cerris salicifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Willowleaf Live Oak prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Willowleaf Live Oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Willowleaf Live Oak is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Willowleaf Live Oak can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Willowleaf Live Oak while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Willowleaf Live Oak is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Willowleaf Live Oak can be propagated through seeds, grafting.

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Willowleaf Live Oak is susceptible to oak leaf blister, oak wilt, gypsy moth. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Willowleaf Live Oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Willowleaf Live Oak is native to central and southern Mexico and Central America, from Jalisco to Panama. In cooler regions, grow Willowleaf Live Oak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.