About
Quercus ellipsoidalis, the northern pin oak, is a large, spreading, deciduous tree to 30 m with ascending upper branches and descending lower branches. Deeply lobed, glossy-green leaves on slender stalks turn deep crimson-purple in autumn. An ornamental specimen tree for autumn colour in a large, sunny garden.
About the genus
Quercus, the oaks, are a large genus of deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; inconspicuous flowers; and characteristic acorn fruits, sometimes with good autumn colour. Many are long-lived, wildlife-supporting specimen trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toNE US
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by grafting in mid-autumn or early winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus