Pin Oak Quercus palustris By: Mr. DeStefano

Pin Oak Taxonomy Kingdom: Plantae (Plants) Phylum: Magnoliophyta (Angiosperms) Class: Rosopsida (Eudicot) Order: Fagales Family: Fagaceae (Beech) Genus: Quercus (Oak) Specie: Quercus palustris (Pin Oak)

Pin Oak Range Pin Oaks are native to eastern North America and are one of the most popular ornamental trees in the United States. They are large-sized deciduous tree that grow to be ft. tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 3 ft. They are relatively short-lived trees compared to other oaks, but they still have an average lifespan of years.

Identification: The lower branches are often a tangled mess. They tend to die off as the tree grows taller, especially in a wooded area. The lower branches grow in a downward direction any way so as they die (due to lack of light) it looks like they are surrounding the trunk. The middle branches grow horizontally while the upper branches grow in an upward direction.

Bark: The bark is relatively thin and does not have deep furrows like burr oak, or black oak. FYI- It was used by some Native American tribes to make a drink for treating intestinal pain.

Pin Oak Fruit: An acorn (nut) matures at the end of the second growing season after flowering. Acorns are dispersed from September to early December.

The leaves of the pin oak tree The pin oak leaf has "U-shaped" sinuses and bristled tips. There are three to five inch alternate leaves have 5 to 7 points or lobes. The leaves are deciduous but will usually persist on the tree into winter. U-shaped sinus

Autumn Colors: The leaves change in color from a dark green to a deep scarlet red in fall.

How it got its name: One might think that the pin oak gets it name from the "pinny" appearance of the leaves and branches. Actually the name comes from the practice years ago of "pinning together" the timbers of a barn. Five Fun Facts

Pin Oak Wood: The wood is generally marketed as red oak, but is of significantly inferior quality, being somewhat weaker, often with many small knots. The wood is hard and heavy and is used in general construction and for firewood.

They love the swamp! The pin oak tree can typically be found in swampy, low lands of forested areas. It is very common to see it in seasonal standing water where no other oaks are growing. It likes acidic soil which is common in the swampy spots of the forest.

Largest known pin oak in New England, located in Northampton, MA measurements: Height feet; Circumference 17.4 feet; Average Spread 96 feet

Ecology: Pin oak acorns are an important food for mallards and wood ducks during their fall migration. Acorns are also an important food for deer, squirrels, turkeys, woodpeckers, and blue jays.

The End