Pin Oak

Pin Oak     (Swamp Oak)     Quercus palustris Muench.

Mature Size: 50 to 70 feet in height, 1 to 2 feet in diameter

Form: Straight trunk with pyramid-like crown; lower branches droop, middle branches are almost horizontal, and upper branches ascend slightly; numerous spur-like twigs give the tree a spiky appearance. 

Where to Find them: Poorly drained river edges and floodplains, typically on clay soils.

Leaves: Alternate, simple, 3 to 5 inches long, 2 to 5 inches wide, with 5 to 9 pointed lobes separated by variable, but often wide, sinuses extending nearly to the midvein; scarlet fall color

Fruit and Seeds: Rounded acorn, 1⁄2 inch long, striped, and flattened at the cap end; cap is thin and saucer-like, covering up to one third of the acorn; maturing in two seasons

Wildlife use: Often found growing near water, the small acorns of the pin oak are a favorite of wood ducks and other waterfowl.  Bobwhite will eat the acorns whole, as will bluejays and wild turkeys.  Squirrels will often store acorns for use in winter.

Bark:   Young trees, smooth and grayish-brown; later developing narrow, dark gray, flat-topped ridges separated by very shallow furrows.