pin oak
ExplorePlants
pin oak
Quercus palustris
The pin oak is a tall tree with beautiful, pointed leaves that turn bright colors in the fall. It provides shade and homes for many animals, making it a great tree for parks and gardens.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The pin oak has distinctively deep-lobed, glossy green leaves that turn vibrant red or bronze in autumn. Its lower branches typically droop downwards, giving the tree a unique, somewhat layered appearance. Look for small, striped acorns.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even in winter, you can spot its tiny, pointed buds waiting for spring!
Its wood is very strong and was once used for making tough railway ties!
Pin oaks can live over 120 years, growing as tall as a six-story building!
The "pin" in its name might refer to the short, stiff branches or tiny spurs.
Special abilities
Ability
Waterlogged Warrior
Pin oak can thrive in wet, poorly drained soils because its shallow root system is adapted to low oxygen environments.
Ability
Fast-Grower
Pin oak has a rapid growth rate, allowing it to quickly establish itself and compete for sunlight in its habitat.
Ability
Acorn Avalanche
Pin oak produces abundant small acorns that feed many animals, helping to ensure its seeds are widely dispersed.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1800-2200 cm
- Spread
- 1200-1500 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
buries and eats its acorns
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses its leaves and twigs
eats
Pink-striped Oakworm
Anisota virginiensis
caterpillars feed on its leaves
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay away from the tree's branches and acorns, as they can fall and cause a bump!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is pin oak?
1800-2200 cm
How wide does pin oak spread?
1200-1500 cm
When does pin oak bloom?
Spring
Is pin oak edible?
No
Is pin oak toxic?
Mild
What is pin oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is pin oak pollinated?
Wind
Where is pin oak usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
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