Contents
Description
Quercus Palustris, commonly known as Pin Oak, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It belongs to the Fagaceae family and can grow up to 70 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The Pin Oak has a distinctive pyramidal shape with a straight trunk and horizontal branches. Its leaves are deeply lobed with a glossy dark green color on top and pale green underneath. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant red or brown color. The tree produces acorns that are small and brown with a shallow cap.
Care Guide
Quercus Palustris prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade but may not grow as tall. Water the tree deeply once a week during dry periods, and fertilize in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. The Pin Oak is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pin Oak is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including oak wilt, anthracnose, and gypsy moth caterpillars. Oak wilt is a fungal disease that can kill the tree within a few weeks. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and defoliation. Gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate the tree in a short period of time.
Habitat
Quercus Palustris is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and floodplains. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate periodic flooding. The tree is native to North America and is found from Canada to Texas.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Quercus Palustris grow?
A: Quercus Palustris can grow up to 24 inches per year.
Q: What is the best time to prune a Pin Oak?
A: The best time to prune a Pin Oak is in the winter when the tree is dormant.
Q: Do I need to water my Pin Oak during the winter?
A: No, you do not need to water your Pin Oak during the winter. The tree is dormant and does not require as much water.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Quercus Palustris?
A: Fertilize your Quercus Palustris once a year in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Quercus rubra (Red Oak)
- Quercus alba (White Oak)
- Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak)
- Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)
References
- “Quercus palustris.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287826.
- “Pin Oak.” Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org/trees/treeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=854.
- “Pin Oak (Quercus palustris).” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/pin_oak.htm.
