About
Quercus palustris, the pin oak, is a strong-growing, large, deciduous tree with a dense, slightly pendulous crown. Deeply lobed leaves to 15 cm with whisker-tipped teeth turn brilliant reddish-brown or crimson in autumn. A rewarding and ornamental oak for a moist, well-drained, sunny garden.
About the genus
Quercus, the oaks, are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with characteristic acorn fruits, lobed or toothed leaves and inconspicuous flowers. Among the most important, long-lived and ornamental of all trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-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 toC & E North America
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. A fast growing spreading deciduous tree. Requires lime free soil
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sowing as soon as ripe, in a coldframe or 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