Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central United States that blooms in April and May. This moisture-loving oak supports bees and beetles while thriving in full sun to partial sun conditions.
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Pin Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 360"–600" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Pin oak is a large shade tree with distinctive deeply lobed leaves and a pyramidal shape when young, maturing to a more oval crown. It develops attractive fall color ranging from bronze to red and produces small acorns. This fast-growing oak adapts well to urban conditions and wet soils.
Growing Pin Oak
Grow Pin Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 360 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pin Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
- Acorns and leaves create seasonal cleanup needs
Wildlife value
Host plant for banded hairstreak, imperial moth.
Pin oak supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillars feed on the leaves. The acorns provide food for squirrels, deer, and many bird species including woodpeckers and jays.
Common questions
- Where is Pin Oak native to?
- Pin Oak is native to 28 states across the eastern and central United States, including the Great Lakes region, Mid-Atlantic states, and parts of the Southeast and Great Plains.
- When does Pin Oak bloom?
- Pin Oak blooms during April and May, producing inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated.
- What pollinators visit Pin Oak?
- Pin Oak supports bees and beetles, though its flowers are primarily wind-pollinated. The tree also hosts numerous caterpillar species that support birds and other wildlife.
- What growing conditions does Pin Oak prefer?
- Pin Oak grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to high moisture levels. It tolerates wet soils better than many other oak species and is often found in lowland areas.
- Is Pin Oak toxic to dogs?
- Pin Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Pin Oak toxic to cats?
- Pin Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Pin Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Pin Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Pin Oak HOA-friendly?
- Pin Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Pin Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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