Pin Oak

25 plants per unit

Quercus palustris, or Pin oak, is native to most of the eastern United States including Kansas. It is a large tree reaching a height of 70 to 90 feet and spread of 40 to 60 feet. Its growth rate is moderate.

Leaves, Stems and Fruit
The dark green leaves are simple and alternately arranged on the twig. The tapered lobes may extend half way to the middle of the leaf. Fall color is red-orange. The 1/2 inch long acorn matures in October after 16 to 18 months of growth. The bark remains smooth and steel gray to gray-brown of the young branches for several years. Only with age does the main stem develop dark reddish brown to black bark with shallow fissures.

Use
Windbreaks - Pin oak is useful as the large tree component of windbreaks. It can also be used in single-row windbreaks.

Timber - The wood from this tree is used for furniture and interior finish.

Wildlife - Acorns of this tree are eaten by squirrels, deer, turkey and probably many other birds and animals.

Adaptation and Soil
Pin oak is adapted to Eastern and Central Kansas, growing along streams, flood plains and hillsides bordering streams; and it grows in soils ranging from clay to loamy sands, and from deep, stone-free to shallow, rocky soils. Pin oak grows best on fertile soils, but will grow on a broad range of soils with adequate moisture. Pin oak can tolerate some flooding.
Spacing
Normally spacing is 8 to 18 feet.

Culture
One-year-old, bare-root seedlings, 12 to 18 inches tall are used in conservation plantings. They require good weed control for at least 3 years. Seedling growth often responds to supplemental watering.