Quercus ellipsoidalis, known as Hill's Oak, Jack Oak, or Northern Pin Oak, is a remarkable deciduous tree native to the northeastern United States, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. This stately oak stands 50-70 feet tall with a spread of 40-60 feet, displaying a gorgeous cylindrical form and a rounded crown. Adapted to a variety of environments, Northern Pin Oak flourishes in full sun and acidic, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It handles drought conditions with ease and tolerates both alkaline and clay soils, making it an ideal choice for urban planting spaces such as city parkways, wide medians, and residential areas.
Northern Pin Oak is best known for its elliptic dark green leaves, which transition to a striking russet red during fall, adding seasonal beauty to landscapes. While its yellowish-green spring blooms are small and inconspicuous, the tree produces distinctive elliptic acorns, crucial food sources for local wildlife like deer, squirrels, and various bird species. This tree's robust tolerance to urban pollutants and its capacity to thrive in challenging soil conditions, combined with its moderate growth rate and ease of transplantation, make it a top choice for enhancing urban green spaces with resilience and elegance.
