Willow oak has narrow, willow-like leaves (unlobed) and small acorns. It is a fast-growing oak with a rounded crown, widely planted in the Southeast for shade and street use.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, willow oak grows in bottomlands, floodplains, and moist woods on the coastal plain, and is commonly planted in parks and along streets. It prefers moist, acidic soils.
Uses and significance
The wood is used for lumber and pulp. Willow oak is a popular landscape tree and provides acorns and habitat for wildlife. It is one of the most common oaks in southern Maryland's natural and planted landscapes.