GPS Coordinates: 40°01'34.5"N 75°18'43.0"W
The Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern U.S. It is a tree that has both willow and oak characteristics—it is part of the red oak family, growing very tall (from 40-60 feet), yet also has willow-like leaves, which are light to bright green in the summer, and yellowy gold and brown in the fall. Willow oaks are fast-growing, long-lived trees that provide food for many animals, from ducks and deer to red-headed woodpeckers and flying squirrels. It is considered to be a very “handsome” tree, and is sometimes considered to be one of the most beautiful trees planted in Washington D.C., which is a city known for it’s beautiful foliage. On campus, this tree is located near Cartref.
Photography by Michael Press and Aaron Windhorst.