What is a Pin Oak?

Pin oak is a species of oak tree native to eastern North America that goes by the scientific name Quercus palustris, and is closely related to red oak. It is a deciduous tree, shedding its leaves annually, and can grow 60-70 feet (18-21 m) tall. In its original habitat, this tree commonly grows in low-lying areas with plenty of water, such as along river beds and in flood plains, and while it can tolerate various growing conditions, it prefers wet, acidic soils and full sun. This tree is commonly used as a specimen tree in gardens and as a landscaping tree in urban areas, often planted in parking lots, on highway medians, and along city streets. Pin oak is so named because it commonly has short, straight branches growing out of its larger limbs, sticking out somewhat like pins.

The leaves of the pin oak are 2-6 inches (5-16 cm) long with five or seven lobes, and are dark green in color, turning bright red or vivid orange in the fall. The acorns are round and small, usually about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) long. The native habitat of this tree is the eastern parts of the United States and the southern parts of Ontario, Canada. It has been widely planted in many other parts of the world, and is an established species of tree in Australia, where it is especially common in the southern parts of the continent, and Argentina. Pin oak is sometimes called "swamp Spanish oak," because of its similarity to Spanish oak and its preference for wet soils.

With a lifespan of 90-120 years, this tree is relatively short-lived for an oak species. It also has a shallower root system than most other kinds of oak trees, making it relatively easy to transplant and propagate. In addition, pin oak is a fast-growing tree that is tolerant of a wide variety of growing conditions, contributing to its popularity in urban landscape design.

Wood from pin oak trees is used for construction purposes and as firewood. Pin oak wood is often sold as red oak, even though it is usually knottier and weaker than wood from real red oak. The bark of this tree is thin and easily damaged by fire or impact. Native Americans used the bark for medicinal purposes, such as to treat stomach problems. In its native habitat, the acorns of the pin oak are a food source for deer, rodents, and some bird species, especially ducks.