The willow oak (Quercus phellos) is a state-endangered species in Pennsylvania (rank S2). It occurs rather abundantly in the tiny sliver of the Atlantic coastal plain that stretches into the very southeastern corner of PA. But because most of this coastal plain region in PA has been developed, fragmented, or otherwise extensively disturbed, their wild populations are relatively low in number. Willow oak does quite well as a street and landscape tree here in Philadelphia and suburbs (even into th

Have you ever seen Oak Apples (Gall Balls)? The oak apple gall wasp, Biorhiza pallida, is a tiny wasp that causes growths, or 'galls', on oak twigs. These galls can be found between May and June where the female has laid her eggs in the leaf bud. Inside the gall, there are a number of chambers, each housing a larva which eats its way out. Adults emerge in June and July. Thanks Andrew for sending this in.😁 | Get Wild