Pin Oak (Quercus palustris): Pyramidal Wetland Oak

Pin oak, or swamp oak, is a fast-growing, pyramidal oak native to eastern North America, widely planted for its distinctive shape, glossy leaves, and red fall color.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This deciduous tree grows 60–70 feet tall with a strong central leader and pendulous lower branches. Leaves are deeply lobed, glossy green, turning scarlet to bronze in fall. Acorns are small, round, with a shallow cap. Bark is gray-brown, developing ridges with age.

Cultivation and Uses

Pin oak prefers full sun and moist, acidic, poorly drained soils—it tolerates wet conditions better than most oaks. It is widely used as a street and shade tree. However, it develops chlorosis (yellowing) in alkaline soils. The persistent lower branches may require pruning for clearance.

Wildlife

Acorns feed many birds and mammals.