Oak, Pin, Bare Root

Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

Pin Oak is a fast-growing native oak that thrives in moist, acidic soils and delivers exceptional ecological value. With its distinctive pyramidal form, strong fall color, and abundant acorn production, Pin Oak is ideal for restoration projects, reforestation, silvopasture systems, and native food forests. It is especially well-suited to low-lying or poorly drained areas, where few other native hardwoods can thrive long-term.

Key Characteristics

• Important Wildlife Food Source
  Pin Oak produces small, high-tannin acorns that mature in fall and are favored by ducks, turkeys, deer, squirrels, jays, and other wildlife. It is especially valuable in wetland and bottomland habitats, where its acorns feed wood ducks and other waterfowl.
• Supports Hundreds of Native Insects and Birds
  As with all native oaks, Pin Oak serves as a host plant for over 500 species of Lepidoptera, including Luna moths, tiger moths, and hairstreak butterflies. These caterpillars are essential for feeding migratory songbirds during nesting and fledging seasons.
• Excellent for Wet Sites and Compact Soils
  One of the best native oaks for seasonally wet soils, Pin Oak tolerates flooding, clay, and compacted urban soils, making it ideal for stormwater management, streambank planting, and wetland restoration.
• Fast Growth and Architectural Beauty
  Pin Oak grows up to 2 feet per year when young, developing a classic upright pyramidal shape with strong horizontal lower branches and a tidy central leader. Its deep red fall foliage adds bold seasonal interest to any large-scale landscape or ecological design.
• Ideal for Reforestation, Silvopasture, and Agroforestry
  Its fast growth, high wildlife value, and moisture tolerance make Pin Oak a smart choice for silvopasture edges, buffer strips, and reforestation in lowlands or transitional zones. It also integrates well as an overstory species in permaculture and regenerative agriculture systems.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern and Central U.S.
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous tree
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet, acidic
• Mature Height: 60–80 feet
• Bloom Time: April–May
• Bloom Color: Yellow-green (inconspicuous catkins)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Pin Oak is a resilient, wildlife-supporting oak for challenging soils and wet sites. It combines beauty, habitat value, and strong adaptability—making it a foundational species for regenerative land projects.