Quercus palustris - Pin Oak

The Pin Oak is a great oak (aren't they all?). They are large, deciduous, upright, strongly pyramidal, with a distinct cental leader growing quickly to 50' or so. Lateral branches are horizontal near the middle of the tree and somewhat weeping near the base. In soils with a near basic pH or higher it usually develops some leaf chlorosis.

Leaves are alternate, simple, 3-5" long, deeply lobed with bristle tipped lobes. Main lobes form a "U". Dark green in summer and bright red in fall. Looks like several other oaks (Q. coccinea, Q. nigra and Q. schumardii, and Q. ellipsoidalis) and can be hard to differentiate.

Fruit is an acorn. Cap is small. Fruit matures in second year.

Male flowers are borne in catkins.

Stems are thin, green-brown in color. Buds are imbricate, pretty sharp tipped, smallish for an oak.

Misidentification: Other bristle tipped oaks. Red Oak leaves are not as deeply lobed nor are the trees pyramidal in shape. Terminal buds are also smaller and sharply pointed.

Location:
Cabrillo just planted a bunch along the road between the football field and the new art and performing center.

Santa Cruz: Pacific Blvd close to SC book shop