(Published in the August 2008 Forum.)

The Willow Oak is the most popular shade tree of the Southeastern U.S.  The Willow Oak grows to 40-60 feet high and 3-4.5 feet in diameter, a big tree.  The tree loves our hot, humid summers and mild winters and can withstand the periodic droughts. It is a good choice in this period of global warming. 

Willow Oak, named for it long, narrow, willow-like leaves, is also called Pin Oak, Peach Oak, and Swamp Chestnut Oak in various areas where it grows.  Its leaves show lustrous green in summer, changing to brownish yellow in fall.  Annually, it produces numerous small acorns that provide good food for blue jays and, of course, the Parkfairfax squirrel community.  Occasionally, the chipmunks get some of the acorns before the squirrels.

Because of their tolerance for heat and drought, we will probably see an increasing number of this fast growing shade tree along our streets and elsewhere in the Washington area.

Where to see a Willow Oak

You can see a mature willow oak going up Martha Custis hill on the left side in front of Building 911, street address 3541.

Two other Willow Oaks can be found going down Martha Custis from Gunston Road on the right side, a  young willow oak in front of Building 529, street addresses 1400 and 1402; and a new sapling further at  Building 521, street address 1312. 

For more information about Willow Oaks try two websites

Virginia Tech’s  at www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/syllabus/qphellos.htm  which contains photos as well as more specific descriptions   and

U.S. Forest Service at www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/quercus/phell