Species

Quercus palustrisPin Oak

1 other cultivar

‘Pacific Brilliance’Pacific Brilliance Pin Oak

treeN. America Native

Green Pillar Pin Oak

Quercus palustris 'Green Pillar'

The Story

Plant Bio

A deciduous tree, a cultivar of the native Pin Oak, known for its distinctive growth habit. It has deeply lobed, glossy dark green leaves that turn shades of red and bronze in the fall.

Selected for its unique, tightly fastigiate or columnar form. This narrow habit makes it an excellent choice for tight spaces, street plantings, or creating vertical accents where a traditional, spreading oak would not fit.

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary ornamental feature is its striking, narrow, columnar form, which provides a strong vertical element in the landscape. It also offers reliable reddish-bronze fall color and an attractive winter silhouette.

An outstanding choice for narrow spaces where a traditional shade tree won't fit, such as along driveways, between buildings, or as a formal street tree. It can also be planted in a row to create a tall, deciduous screen.

As a native oak, it is a keystone species, supporting hundreds of species of caterpillars, which in turn feed birds. Its acorns provide food for squirrels, jays, and other wildlife.

SpeciesQuercus palustrisPin Oak

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

168 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern and Central US

Toxicity

Acorns are mildly toxic to humans if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water deeply and consistently for the first two years.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in alkaline soils, as it is highly susceptible to iron chlorosis, which causes yellowing leaves.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly, especially during establishment and in drought.
Test soil pH and amend if necessary to keep it acidic.
Allow lower branches to remain initially to build trunk caliper.
Provide ample space for its mature height.

Don't

Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils.
Do not amend the backfill soil heavily with organic matter.
Avoid soil compaction around the root zone from foot or vehicle traffic.
Do not top the tree, as this ruins its natural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic vertical accent in formal landscapesNarrow street tree for urban settingsTall, elegant screen for privacy

Companion Plants

Hydrangea quercifolia Itea virginica Carex pensylvanica Amelanchier canadensis Fothergilla gardenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Pillar Pin Oak questions

What zones can Green Pillar Pin Oak grow in?

Green Pillar Pin Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Green Pillar Pin Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Green Pillar Pin Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Green Pillar Pin Oak bloom?

Green Pillar 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 Green Pillar Pin Oak need full sun?

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