Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

 

Interesting & key characteristics: 

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Height: grows 50 to 90 feet tall, rapid growth

Leaves: three to five inches long. They lack teeth and have a straight red trunk with lots of branches. It has bristle tipped, deciduous leaves that are blunt and thick and have smooth edges. The leaves are green on top, and pale underneath. 

Fruit: acorn

This type of tree is in the Beech family. It is widely planted for shade in the Southern part of the United States.

 

Unique benefits (how it helps our planet):

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This tree provides lots of shade and it can withstand pollution and drought. This tree takes lots of carbon out of the air during photosynthesis. It also provides food, dens, and cover for wildlife.

 

Sources: Garden Know How, Peterson First Guides: Trees, by George A Petrides

 A Golden Guide: Trees, Missouri Conservation: Trees and Shrubs

 

The Story Behind the Tree:

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This tree was bought with prize money the year Forsyth won the 2013-2014 Green Schools Quest after installing our solar panels and learning about renewable energy. Forsyth bought this tree because it takes lots of carbon out of the air during photosynthesis. With this tree planted here, Forsyth is reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.