Pin Oak is a fast-growing oak native to the central and eastern United States, typically reaching 60–70 feet tall. It is commonly found in lowland areas and is widely planted in urban landscapes.

This tree has a distinctive pyramidal shape with lower branches that angle downward and upper branches that point upward. Its leaves are deeply lobed (leaf divisions) with pointed tips and turn a bright red in the fall.

Pin Oak produces small acorns (oak nuts) that serve as food for wildlife. It tolerates wet soils better than many other oaks but can struggle in alkaline soils. Its strong form and fall color make it a popular ornamental tree.

References

Pin oak. (n.d.). The Morton Arboretum. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/pin-oak/

Quercus palustris (Oaks, Pin Oak, Swamp Spanish Oak) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Plants.ces.ncsu.edu. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/quercus-palustris/

Words by Ben Hansen.  Photos by Sarah Cote.  2026