Pin Oak is a medium-sized, deciduous tree belonging to the Fagaceae (beech) family. It is one of the faster-growing red oaks, typically reaching heights of 50 to 70 feet with a trunk diameter of approximately 3 feet. The genus name, Quercus, is the Latin term for oak trees, while the species epithet, palustris, is derived from the Latin word palus, meaning "of marshes or swamps," referring to its native habitat. This species is native to the northeastern and north-central United States, as well as southeastern Canada.

Pin Oak thrives in medium to wet, loamy, acidic soils and requires full sun for optimal growth. While it can tolerate poorly drained soils and periods of flooding, it is also adaptable to drier conditions and urban environments. The tree has a shallow root system, making it easily transplantable.

This species exhibits a more slender and graceful form compared to other oaks. When young, it has a pyramidal crown, which gradually matures into a more rounded and oval shape. The distinctive branching pattern includes sharply downward-angled lower branches, horizontal middle branches, and ascending upper branches. Younger trees and the lower branches of older specimens often retain their leaves throughout the winter. The fall foliage presents shades of orange, bronze, or red. Pin Oak typically begins producing acorns at approximately 15 to 20 years of age.

Due to its resilience and aesthetic appeal, Pin Oak is widely planted as a shade tree in home landscapes, along urban streets, and in parks and woodland gardens. It demonstrates tolerance to various soil conditions, heat, and air pollution, though it is toxic to horses. Additionally, it serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) and several butterfly species, including the Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Edward’s Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius malbum), Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius), and Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis).

Key Identification Features:

• Medium-sized deciduous tree with a pyramidal growth habit in youth, transitioning to a rounded and oval form with age
• Smooth, gray bark
• Dark green leaves with five to seven sharply pointed lobes, deep U-shaped sinuses, vein extension through the leaf margin, bristle-tipped lobes, and small tufts of tan-colored hair at the axils of the veins
• Long, pendulous chains of yellow to greenish-yellow male flowers appearing in spring
• Tan, rounded acorns with a thin, smooth cap covering approximately one-fourth to one-third of the nut