tree RHS AwardN. America Native

Pin Oak

Name: Pin Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus palustris

$96.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

80-120 years

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Toxic to horses if large quantities of acorns are ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, fast-growing deciduous shade tree native to eastern North America, easily recognized by its pyramidal shape and unique branching pattern with drooping lower branches. The species is particularly noted for its deeply incised, glossy green leaves that turn a beautiful russet-red in autumn and its tolerance of wet soils, making it a valuable landscape tree for challenging sites.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Pin Oak is a handsome, fast-growing shade tree with a classic pyramidal form. Its deeply lobed, glossy leaves provide beautiful texture in summer and transition to a rich red-brown in fall. The distinctive branching structure offers strong winter interest.

Its rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for quickly establishing shade in new developments or large yards. It is one of the most tolerant oaks of wet soils and urban conditions, making it a reliable street and park tree where soil is acidic.

As a keystone species, it supports hundreds of species of caterpillars, which are a critical food source for nesting birds. The acorns are eaten by a wide variety of wildlife, including blue jays, squirrels, and deer, making it an ecological powerhouse.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun and acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is slightly above the surrounding grade.
Backfill with the original soil, ensuring no air pockets remain.
Water deeply and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone.
Provide consistent water for the first two years to establish.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in high pH (alkaline) soils, as it will develop iron chlorosis, causing yellow leaves with green veins.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5) for best performance.
Provide ample space for its large mature size.
Water during extended periods of drought.
Prune off the characteristic low-hanging branches if they impede traffic.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline soils or near concrete leaching lime.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
Don't prune during the growing season to avoid oak wilt risk.
Do not compact the soil over the root zone with heavy equipment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately lawn or park specimen treeFast-growing shade tree for large propertiesValuable tree for naturalized areas and rain gardens

Companion Plants

Amelanchier canadensis Cercis canadensis Lindera benzoin Panicum virgatum Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pin Oak questions

What zones can Pin Oak grow in?

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 Pin Oak deer resistant?

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

When does Pin Oak bloom?

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 Pin Oak need full sun?

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