Native species of red oak
Deciduous; simple, spiked leaves
Mature height of 70-90 feet, mature diameter of 2-3 feet.
Commonly found in swamps and other moist areas.
Very small flowers and no fruits, but it does produce acorns.
Does well in acidic, wet soils, and is tolerant of all levels of light and most poor soil conditions.
Beneficial to many types of birds, mammals, and insects for food and shelter, especially Bucculatrix domicola, a moth species native to Appalachia which only feeds on the pin oak and the Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii).
Hardiness zones 4-8
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
Some in Anglophone countires, especially England, believe that oaks can be a predictor of the weather, saying that in springs where the leaves on oak trees return before those of ash trees, the season will be less rainy than usual, and more rainy if the ashes come out first. The idiom goes: "If the oak is out before the ash we shall have only a splash; if the ash is out before the oak we will surely have a soak".
Due to the genus' widespread range and usage among human populations for thousands of years, the oak has a near universal symbolic value of robustness, longevity and stability.
Red oaks are a common sight in forests and nature trails, leading to their reptuation as a comforting and familiar sight for outdoors lovers.
Specimen photographed found at Northeastern University and in South Boston, Massachusetts. Part of the Urban Trees assignment (9/29/2021).
Plant History and Etymology
The species epithet palustris comes from the Latin word "palūs" meaning "swamp", in reference to its primary habitat. The pin oak has always been commonly used in landscaping, and less commonly in construction. Its wood is heavy and hard but generally considered inferior to other types of wood due to knotting and being less distortion-resistant than other types. It has been introduced to most of the continental United States, as well as Australia, where it thrives outside of its native habitat.
Design Considerations
The pin oak has a distinctly pyramidal shape, with horizontal branches that taper off as it gets higher. The lower branches break off as the tree ages, leaving small, somewhat pointy nodes on the trunk (hence the English name). The leaves, which are simple leaves of five pointed lobes, are deep green and change to a vibrant scarlet in the fall. Its beautiful color, easy soil and light requirements, environmental benefits to common animals such as the white-tailed deer, and critical relationship with Bucculatrix domicola make it an attractive choice for urban planting. However one thing to consider is that is can produce anywhere from 4,000 to 20,000 acorns per autumn, so placing it right along a trafficked path may not be the best option.
Sources
“Oak | Plant-Lore.” 2014. Plant-Lore.com. 2014. https://www.plant-lore.com/oak/.
“Quercus Palustris (Oaks, Pin Oak, Swamp Spanish Oak) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2021. Ncsu.edu. 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/quercus-palustris/.
“Quercus Palustris (Pin Oak): Go Botany.” 2021. Nativeplanttrust.org. 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/quercus/palustris/.
“USDA Plants Database.” 2021. Usda.gov. 2021. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=QUPA2.