Quercus palustris

Quercus palustris

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)