Quercus palustris

Pin Oak

Pin Oak is a large native deciduous tree with a broad-pyramidal crown and branches the reach in the direction of their location on the trunk (upper are upright, lower reaches down).  Lower branches often break off leaving pin-like stubs. The glossy deep green foliage is toothed and deeply lobed and turns deep red in fall. The round acorns have saucer-shaped cups that barely cover the top.  Best grown in full sun and rich, moist, acidic well-drained soils.  Tolerates some flooding and wet soils.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low Maintenance.  Chlorosis is common in alkaline or neutral soils.  Oaks are susceptible to a large number of diseases, including oak wilt, blight, root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.  Potential insect pests include scale, oak skeletonizer, leaf miner, galls, oak lace bugs, borers, caterpillars and nut weevils.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Wildlife Gardens,  Privacy Screen, and Shade Tree.

COMPANION PLANTS: Burning Bush, Magnolia, Spirea