Fig. 25.—Leaves of some of the southern oaks; A, Live oak; B, willow oak; C, laurel oak; and D, water oak.
The willow oak[61] ([fig. 1]), sometimes erroneously called the water oak, is one of the best of the quick-growing oaks for use in regions 11 and 12. It is frequently used with the water oak for street planting and in the mind of the average planter is confused with it. It is, however, a distinct tree, which can be distinguished readily from the water oak. It is longer lived and is its equal in every other respect. Trees of this variety which apparently have been planted about 80 years are found in excellent condition, while water oaks planted at the same time have either entirely disappeared or are showing marked evidences of decline. [Figure 25] shows the characteristic appearance of the leaves of these nearly related species of oaks. That the willow oak is readily transplanted in the South when of comparatively large size is proved by the success with which trees 12 feet high are dug from the woods and planted on the street ([fig. 26]). In the extreme South this tree is nearly half evergreen. Its foliage does not assume the bright colors of the trees of the red oak class.
[61] Quercus phellos L.
P15321HP
Fig. 26.—Recently transplanted willow oaks, showing trees taken from the woods as they appeared near the end of the second summer. Montgomery, Ala.
PALM.[62]
[62] The palms are treated on the basis of notes furnished by Dr. O. F. Cook, of the Bureau of Plant Industry.
Several varieties of palms are used more or less for street planting in regions 2, 3, 5, 12, and 13. Though sometimes effective as a formal street decoration ([fig. 27]), they can hardly be considered shade trees.