Pin oak has deeply lobed leaves with bristle tips and lower branches that often sweep downward. It tolerates wet soils and is one of the most commonly planted oaks in landscapes and streets.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, pin oak grows in bottomlands, floodplains, and wet woods, as well as in parks and along streets. It prefers acidic, moist to wet soils and is common on the coastal plain and in planted sites.
Uses and significance
The wood is used for lumber and fuel. Pin oak is a popular shade tree despite a tendency to retain dead branches; it provides acorns for wildlife and is a familiar sight in Maryland's wet woods and suburbs.