Pin Oak Quercus palustris Pinoak, Northern Pin Oak Description: Wild Pin oaks are typically found in wet sites growing to 60' high. It is often planted as a street tree because of its beautiful form and ability to withstand the low oxygen content of urban soils. The acorns are valuable wildlife food for wetland birds and mammals. USDA Zone: 2b-9a Height: 60 to 80' Width: 40 to 50' Leaf: Alternate, simple, 4-6"" long. to 4"" wide, with 5-7 narrow, bristle-tipped lobes, sinuses between the lobes deep (over half-way to the mid-rib) and rounded at the base; leaf surfaces smooth, shining above and paler below with tufts of hairs in the vein-axils. Flower: Monoecious; male flowers borne on slender, drooping yellow-green catkins; females reddish green borne on short spikes in new leaf axils, appearing in the spring with the leaves. Fruit: Acorns are 1/2 inch long, striated, round (but flattened at the cap); thin and saucer-like cap, covered with red-brown appressed scales; matures after 2 years, dispersed fall to early winter. Twig: TWIGS: Dark brown-red, shiny, slender, often thorn-like sides shoots which give this species its popular name. Buds smooth, reddish brown. Lower branches grow at a descending angle, middle branches are horizontal, the upper are ascending. Bark: Gray-brown and very tight and thin; remains smooth for many years, eventually develops thin ridges and furrows. Form: A medium sized tree that is very pyramidal; lower branches are pendulous and middle branches grow at right angles; branches are studded with numerous branchlets that do not prune readily, resulting in a spiny appearance. Site Requirements: Sun; range of soil types including wet soil Texture: Medium Habit: Deciduous Soil: Prefers a light, sandy soil. Good drought tolerance Sun: Prefers full sun, however, partial sun may be adaptable after establishment. Features: Tolerance to sandy soils and good fall color Discussion: Pin Oak, an Oak distributed from the middle Atlantic states westward to the edge of the Great Plains, and encompassing most of the Midwest, is often seen in the wild in wet areas (an alternative common name is Swamp Oak). In floodplains, wetlands, and low areas, Pin Oak may form nearly pure stands, and is distinctive in its dense growth habit: ascending upper branches, horizontal middle branches, and strongly downswept lower branches. Young trees and lower branches of older trees hold leaves throughout winter; fibrous root system; transplants well. ***All acorns are de-cupped prior to storage to reduce the chance of fungal infection. Oaks readily germinate, if you have received your oaks and they are starting to germinate, either plant immediately, or place in a cool (34-42`F location, the standard household refrigerator is perfect; until ready to start.)*** A bloom on the acorns may be removed with water and mild soap. If your acorns have started to germinate in transit, you can arrest this by placing in the refrigerator, or planting immediately. Each packet contains 10 OR MORE Acorns of this species ""
