Quercus palustris
Pin Oak
General
Pin oak is a wetland oak that thrives in moist soils. Pin oak may help stabilize commonly flooded areas, and is an important food source for wildlife.
Plant Description
Pin oak is a smaller oak, growing up to 70 feet in height. The acorns have alternating light and dark lines resembling pinstripes. Pin oaks have a distinctive branching that makes them easier to identify – top branches reaching up, middle branches horizontal to the ground, and lower branches turned down. Leaves turn red in the fall.
Height (ft)
60-70
Spread (ft)
20-40
Soil moisture
High Moisture
Soil types
Fine to medium in texture, moist and fertile soils
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Shade intolerant
Bloom color
Yellow
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Low
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Within the northeastern United States, Pin Oak is common in central Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, and some of eastern New York. It is not well established in Vermont and Maine, and is not native to New Hampshire.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]