Also known as peach oak, pin oak, and swamp chestnut oak: this tree grows on land left by sediment runoff at the mouth of rivers and therefore has a shallow root system. It grows well in shady, poorly drained areas in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal planes, and Mississippi valley region (humid and temperate climates with long, hot summers and mild, short winters). The willow oak grows 60 ft. tall quickly and has dropping lower branches and slender side branches with pale green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Since the willow oak produces acorns, it is important for wildlife food production. For example, blue jays and woodpeckers are major inhabitants of the tree. Seed production starts when the tree is about 20 years old, with the acorns maturing between August and October of the second year after flowering. Good seed crops are produced nearly every year. In addition, the willow oak is an important source of lumber and pulp and is a popular street tree and ornamental in the southern United States. The principle enemies of the willow oak are fire and fungi.

The most abundant Oak in the Triangle, the Willow Oak, earned Raleigh its title, "City of Oaks."