northern pin oak

tree

Also known as: Quercus ellipsoidalis, jack oak

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July 1, 2026

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The term "pin oak" refers to two species of North American trees in the red oak group, named for their slender, pin-like branchlets. The common pin oak (Quercus palustris) is typically found in moist areas of the eastern and central United States. It grows to about 25 meters (80 feet) tall, has a pyramidal shape with drooping lower branches, and its leaves turn scarlet in the fall. Its acorns are small and have a shallow cup.12

The northern pin oak, or jack oak (Q. ellipsoidalis), prefers drier upland sites. Its acorns are nearly half enclosed in a scaly cup, and its leaves turn yellow or pale brown in autumn, sometimes with purple.1

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pin oak
The northern pin oak, or jack oak (Q. ellipsoidalis), also has pinlike branchlets but usually occurs on upland sites that are dry. Its ellipse-shaped acorns are nearly half enclosed in a scaly cup. The leaves become yellow or pale brown in autumn, often with purple blotches.
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The northern pin oak, or jack oak (Q. ellipsoidalis), also has pinlike branchlets but usually occurs on upland sites that are dry. Its ellipse-shaped acorns are nearly half enclosed in a scaly cup. The leaves become yellow or pale brown in autumn, often with purple blotches.
Read More