Quercus ellipsoidalisIndiana Native
Northern Pin Oak

Family:

Fagaceae (Beech Family) 45

Genus:

Quercus (Oak) 32

Plant Type:

Tree 562

Growth Forms:

Upright 552

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 500

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 815

Flower Notes:

Yellow (Yellowish-green, monoecious catkins in the spring; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Lustrous dark green summer foliage); Brown (Generally russet fall foliage, but sometimes a good red)

Stem Notes:

brown then green on new growth

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Acorn; attracts wildlife)

Ultimate Height:

50-60 feet

Ultimate Spread:

40-50 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Dry to medium 38

Soil Notes:

Prefers acidic, well-drained soils; more tolerant of pH than Q. palustris, but chlorosis can still be a problem on alkaline and calcareous soils

Range:

Midwestern United States and southern Canada

Maintenance:

Low 209

Diagnostic Characteristics:

The glossy leaves (2.5-6" long by 2-4.5" wide) are alternate, simple, elliptical to obovate with 5-7 lobes. Tufts of hairs are present along the veins on leaf undersides. The 0.5-0.75" long acorns are 1/3-1/2 covered by the saucer-shaped cap and are narrower and more elongated than those of Q. palustris. Distinctive for its regular branching, spreading to horizontal to drooping, from top to bottom of tree.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

Quercus ellipsoidalis is very closely related to Q. palustris (Pin Oak), but is better suited for the Midwest. Very similar to the Pin Oak, the Northern Pin Oak is a handsome tree with distinctive and regular branching, spreading to horizontal to drooping, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. While this species is still prone to chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in alkaline soils, it is more tolerant to high pH than Q. palustris. In the wild, this species tends to grow in dry, sandy locations.

Plant Photo Gallery

Winter Habit

Bark

Buds and Dried Foliage

Dried Foliage

Buds and Dried Foliage

Summer Habit

Leaf

Foliage

15 Quercus ellipsoidalis found

Building Map...

= Heritage plant = Memorial plant

Number	Accession ID	Location
1	ORIG_9256*A	OWEN
2	2015_00500*A	MRGN
3	2009_13520*A	HORTPARK
4	ORIG_9246*A	MRGN
5	ORIG_9260*A	OWEN
6	ORIG_9257*A	OWEN
7	2022_00143*A	GRIS
8	2023_00075*A	SLAYTER
9	2023_00075*B	SLAYTER
10	2023_00612*A	SLAYTER
11	2024_00032*A	HORTPARK
12	2024_00032*B	HORTPARK
13	2024_00053*A	HORTPARK
14	2024_00053*B	HORTPARK
15	2024_00053*C	HORTPARK