Willow oak is a medium to large, deciduous oak tree of the red oak group that is noted for its oak shape, willow-like leaves and relatively fast growth rate.
It is native to the Southeastern United States, typically being found in moist bottom land soils .
Foliage is light to bright green in summer and yellow, yellow-brown and russet in fall. Relatively fast-growing, it tolerates poorly drained soil.
Prefers acid soil and full sun.
Grows to 40'-60' with a 35' spread.
Zones 5-9
Water: Medium to wet.
Fruits are small rounded acorn cups (to 1/2” long).
Medicinal use : A decoction of the wood chips or bark has been applied externally as an analgesic and as a bath for aches, pains, sores, cuts and hemorrhoids. Any galls produced on the tree are strongly astringent and can be used in the treatment of hemorrhages, chronic diarrhea, dysentery etc.
Edible parts : Seed - cooked. Rather small, it is only 1 cm long. The seed can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread. The seed contains bitter tannins, these can be leached out by thoroughly washing the seed in running water though many minerals will also be lost. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.
Other uses : A mulch of the leaves repels slugs, grubs etc, though fresh leaves should not be used as these can inhibit plant growth. The bark contains about 10% tannin and is a commercial source of that material. Tannin is also found in the leaves and wood. The seed cups are used as buttons. Wood - close-grained, strong, not hard, heavy, not durable. It weighs 46 lb per cubic foot. Of rather low quality for an oak but it is sufficiently abundant to be harvested commercially. The wood is used for construction, fellies of wheels and charcoal.