treeN. America Native

Northern Pin Oak

Quercus ellipsoidalis

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Dry to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

150-200 years

Native To

North-Central United States

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity.

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus ellipsoidalis is a medium to large deciduous tree in the red oak group, native to the Upper Midwest of North America. It is characterized by deeply cut, glossy green leaves and a pyramidal shape in youth that becomes more open and rounded with age. This oak is renowned for its brilliant, reliable scarlet-red fall color, often considered superior to that of the more common Pin Oak (Q. palustris). It is also better adapted to dry, sandy, upland soils, whereas Pin Oak prefers wetter sites.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Northern Pin Oak is a magnificent landscape tree, offering dense summer shade and one of the most spectacular and reliable scarlet-red fall displays of any oak. Its deeply lobed, glossy leaves add fine texture, and its strong form provides a commanding presence.

As a large, long-lived tree, it is an excellent choice for parks, campuses, and large residential properties. Its wood is hard and strong, used for flooring, furniture, and construction, though it is less commercially important than Northern Red Oak.

Oaks are keystone species. Northern Pin Oak hosts hundreds of species of Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) larvae, which are a critical food source for nesting birds. Its acorns are a vital food for wildlife, including deer, squirrels, turkeys, and blue jays.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with acidic, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above grade.
Backfill with the native soil, watering to settle.
Water deeply and consistently for the first two years.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Never prune any oak tree during the growing season (April-October) to prevent attracting beetles that transmit deadly oak wilt disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best growth and fall color.
Plant in acidic soil to prevent iron chlorosis.
Water during extended periods of drought.
Prune only in the dead of winter.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soils.
Avoid wounding the bark with mowers or trimmers.
Do not prune from spring through fall.
Do not plant in poorly drained or compacted soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Superb shade tree for large landscapesBrilliant specimen for fall colorKey component of prairie and savanna restorations

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium Andropogon gerardii Amelanchier laevis Coreopsis tripteris Echinacea pallida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Northern Pin Oak questions

What zones can Northern Pin Oak grow in?

Northern Pin Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Northern Pin Oak deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Northern Pin Oak, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Northern Pin Oak bloom?

Northern Pin Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Northern Pin Oak need full sun?

Northern Pin Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Northern Pin Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Northern Pin Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.