Quercus palustris – Pin Oak

This tree grows mostly in bottomlands, floodplains and near swampy land – it does not need a deep taproot to find water like many species of oak and therefore is relatively easy to transplant and has found widespread use as a street tree. It does require an acidic soil. Although pin oak is very tolerant of dormant-season flooding, it is much less tolerant of growing-season flooding. The branching pattern is distinct: lowest branches hang down, middle ones point straight out and highest ones point upward. Fall color ranges from red to burgundy and can be quite showy. The acorns are small, almost tiny, and are a favorite of ducks, turkeys, woodpeckers and blue jays.