Pin Oak

The Pin Oak is a distinctive and elegant deciduous tree, valued for its graceful habit and spectacular autumn colour. It has a strongly pyramidal form when young, with lower branches that tend to droop downwards, middle branches that are horizontal, and upper branches that grow upwards. Its leaves are deeply lobed and a lustrous dark green, turning brilliant shades of scarlet and bronze-red in the autumn. The name 'Pin Oak' comes from the many small, pin-like dead twigs that often persist on the inner branches. This species is hardy to H6 and is particularly unusual among oaks for its ability to tolerate wet, poorly-drained soils, although it also grows well in standard well-drained conditions. It prefers acidic soil; on alkaline or chalky soils, it can develop yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis). It is a medium-sized tree that needs space to develop its characteristic tiered branching pattern. It's a superb choice for a larger damp garden or as a focal point near water.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moist to wet, acidic soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May.