Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Pin oak struggles in our alkaline soils, almost always develops severe iron chlorosis within 2-3 years.
medium water50–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: "Quercus palustris 001" by Willow is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
- Photo 2: Bruce Marlin
- Photo 3: "Pin oak quercus palustris" by Bruce Marlin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/.
- Photo 4: "2002-10 Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) during Autumn along Terrace Boulevard in Ewing, New Jersey" is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandy Wolkenberg
- Photo 6: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 4.5–6.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pin Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Pin Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Pin Oak not recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How big does Pin Oak get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Pin Oak need?
- Give Pin Oak about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Pin Oak grow into?
- Pin Oak typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Pin Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- Pin Oak is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Pin Oak need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Pin Oak grow?
- Pin Oak is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Pin Oak live?
- Pin Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Pin Oak turn in fall?
- Pin Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Pin Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Pin Oak deer-resistant?
- No. Pin Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Pin Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Pin Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
