Pin oak

Scientific name: Quercus palustris

Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)

Often seen in moist lowlands and wetlands, the pin oak is known for its strong wood, dense shade, and distinctive branching. Pin oak has persistent dead branches with the lower branches angled down. Generally, this native tree requires moist and acidic soils with full to partial sun for optimum growth. Pin oak suffers from leaf chlorosis if transplanted in neutral or alkaline soils. Pin oaks can also suffer from insect galls and other pathogens that afflict oaks.

Identification

LEAF: Glossy, dark green leaves that are 3-6 inches long with five lobes separated by very deep sinuses.

TWIGS AND BUDS: Terminal buds are small and in clusters on reddish-brown twigs.

FRUIT OR SEED: Acorns that are nearly round and ½ inch long with a thin, saucer-shaped cup made of small, tight scales. Acorns are eaten by songbirds, deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, rodents, and ducks.

BARK: Thin, slightly ridged, and shallowly furrowed when young; dark gray to gray-brown in maturity.

SHAPE: Somewhat conical with the lower branches angled downward.

MATURE HEIGHT: 70-100 feet.

Photo credits: Arieh Tal (https://botphoto.info), Glenn Dreyer