Pin oak

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Quercus palustris
PIN OAK

Fagaceae
E. North America

Locations: map coordinates R-22 (southwest of Delaware Hall), N 39°11'6'' W 75°32'35''; and
N-25 (west of Jason Library), N 39°11'9'' W 75°32'32''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:
  • large deciduous tree
  • etymology: Quercus = the Latin name; palustris = of swamps
  • leaves simple, alternate, deeply lobed
  • monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same tree); flowers tiny; male flowers in drooping catkins, female flowers inconspicuous
  • fruit is an acorn (develops from ovary of female flower)
  • in the “red/black oak group”: leaf lobes with bristle-tips; acorn matures in 2 years, relatively bitter and inedible unless processed
  • lower branches slope downward, at ca 45 degree angle
  • end buds clustered (typical of oaks)
  • native habitat bottomlands; swamps, wet woods
  • popular for landscaping, because transplants and grows better than most other oaks
  • common name “pin” may be for its many stubby branches, or because wood was formerly used as pins in construction of wooden buildings

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)
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