Quercus palustris (pin oak)

Pin oak is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is one of the faster-growing red oaks, generally reaching a height of 50–70' with a trunk about 3' in diameter. It has a more slender and graceful appearance than some oaks. Pyramidal when young, the crown becomes more rounded and oval with age. Pin oak has a unique branching pattern, with the lowermost branches angling sharply downward, the middle branches horizontal, and the upper branches reaching upward. Young trees and lower branches of older trees hold their leaves through winter. Fall foliage is orange, or bronze to red. This oak won't begin producing acorns until it is 15–20 years gold. Pin oak is frequently used as a shade tree for home landscapes, urban streets, and woodland gardens. As a wetland tree, it prefers medium to wet, loamy, acidic soils and full sun. Can tolerate poorly drained soils and some flooding. Also can adapt to drier and more urban conditions. Mildly resistant to deer.

Pin oak is native to the northeastern and north-central United States and southeastern Canada. It is found in marshes or swamps. Attracts songbirds, water birds, ground birds, and animals. Acorns are an important food source for many mammals. Host plant for the larvae of the imperial moth and numerous butterflies, including the banded hairstreak, Edward's hairstreak, the gray hairstreak, Horace's duskywing, and the juvenalis duskywing. 

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)