northern pin oak - Quercus ellipsoidalis

Common Name: northern pin oak, jack oak, hill's oak

Scientific Name: 
Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Quercus
Species: ellipsoidalis

Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
Height: 50 to 70 ft
Width: 40 to 60 ft

Description: ​​​​​​​​The northern pin oak is native to Minnesota and can make a fine landscape tree. In the wild, it can be found in savannas and in forested mesic uplands. It looks very similar to northern red oak (Quercus rubra), but the leaves of northern pin oak have much deeper sinuses (indents) in their leave margins. In open spaces, its form can be recognized by the ascending upper branches and descending lower branches. Its acorn has an ellipsoid shape from which the Latin name comes. These trees are susceptible to iron chlorosis and should be planted in sites with more acidic soils to avoid damage. It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought. This tree has great red fall color and could be used as a substitute for a maple. A word of caution, this tree is part of the Red Oak group and is therefore susceptible to oak wilt. Do not prune this species if the timing falls within oak wilt season.