Tungsten oxide nanorods are grown at atmospheric pressure and low temperature (360 degrees C), by sublimation of WO3 and condensation on mica substrates. The nanorods are characterized by atomic force microscopy, high-resolution electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high energy electron diffraction. The experimental results evidence the formation of a hexagonal tungsten bronze at the nanorod-substrate interface. The epitaxial relationships of the nanorods on mica are determined and the role of epitaxial orientation of the interfacial bronze in the nanorod growth and morphology are discussed (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.