Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
Also known as Swamp Pin Oak, Swamp Spanish Oak, Swamp Oak
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pin Oak grows in your area.
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A medium to large deciduous oak with a pyramidal form and deeply lobed leaves that turn brilliant red-scarlet in fall. Pin oak thrives in full sun and tolerates wet soils, making it suitable for wet areas and rain gardens.
Why grow it
Pin oak's pyramidal growth habit and reliable red fall color make it a dependable choice for structured landscape designs, particularly in areas with poor drainage where many oak species struggle. Compared to other oaks, it establishes relatively quickly and tolerates compacted soil better than most Quercus species, though it lacks the longevity and stature of white or red oak in upland sites.
Watch out for
Pin oak's lower branches tend to persist low on the trunk, which can complicate mowing and maintenance underneath mature trees. The tree's moderate brittleness means branches may break under heavy snow or ice loads, particularly in regions with wet, heavy winter weather.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A medium to large deciduous oak with a pyramidal form and deeply lobed leaves that turn brilliant red-scarlet in fall. Pin oak thrives in full sun and tolerates wet soils, making it suitable for wet areas and rain gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pin Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pin oak's pyramidal growth habit and reliable red fall color make it a dependable choice for structured landscape designs, particularly in areas with poor drainage where many oak species struggle. Compared to other oaks, it establishes relatively quickly and tolerates compacted soil better than most Quercus species, though it lacks the longevity and stature of white or red oak in upland sites.
Watch out for
Pin oak's lower branches tend to persist low on the trunk, which can complicate mowing and maintenance underneath mature trees. The tree's moderate brittleness means branches may break under heavy snow or ice loads, particularly in regions with wet, heavy winter weather.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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