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Quercus palustris - Pin Oak or Swamp Oak

Quercus palustris is a medium sized, deciduous tree, ideal for parklands, large gardens or avenues. Native to North America, it was introduced to Great Britain in the early 1800s. Its common name is Pin Oak or Swamp Oak.

With a broadly pyramidal crown, this tree grows to around 20m in height - one tree in Hyde Park was recorded as reaching 28m. As it matures, the lower branches begin to droop.

The most notable feature of Quercus palustrisis the unusual foliage which is deeply cut with pointed lobes. In the autumn it turns to fiery russets, reds and oranges.

Quercus palustris adapts to a wide range of soil conditions though will struggle on soils with a high pH. It can cope with moderate drought, urban pollution and has a good tolerance for exposed sites.

Quercus palustris is available from Deepdale Trees as a standard field grown or container grown tree.

FACT: ‘Pin Oak Flats’ - large areas of almost solely Quercus palustris grow on the glacial plains in some areas of North America.
FACT: Native American tribes used the bark of Quercus palustris to make a drink which alleviated intestinal pain.
FACT: The name 'pin oak' may be from the historical use of this hardwood to make pins for use in construction of wooden buildings.

Plant Profile

Name: Quercus palustris

Common Name: Pin Oak or Swamp Oak

Family: Fagaceae

Height: approx. 20m

Demands: Best on a moist, well drained, acidic soil in full sun

Foliage: Deeply lobed. Bright green in spring and brilliant red and orange in autumn.

Bark: Grey-brown. Smooth in younger trees developing shallows furrows with maturity

Flowers: Male catkins and insignificant female flowers in spring

Fruit: Almost round acorns though not prolific

Quercus palustris info sheet

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