ISU Forestry Extension - Tree Identification: Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)

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Jesse Randall
Carol Elsberry
Claudette Sandoval-Green

Last Updated:

June 6, 2012

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Northern Pin Oak (Hill's Oak)
(Quercus ellipsoidalis)

Leaves are alternate, simple, lobed. Lobes have pointed tips. Fruit is an acorn.

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The northern pin oak is also called Hills oak, yellow oak, and jack oak. It is similar to the red oak but does not get as large and is heavier branched. The northern pin oak can be found in northeastern Iowa on moist, sandy soils and clay upland.

The leaf lobes are bristle tipped, with lobe sinuses reaching almost toleaf mid-vein. The leaves are leathery in texture, dark shiny green above. The twigs are bright reddish brown to dark gray-brown.

Hardiness: Varies with the species of oak tree, ranging from zone 3 to zone 9.

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Mature Shape: broad, rounded

Height: Varies with species. Often maturing between 50 to 75 feet tall. Capable of growing upwards of 100 feet.

Width:40 to 70 feet. Varies with species

Site Requirements: Best growth in moist, well-drained soils. Adaptable to adverse soil conditions.

Flowering Dates:

Seed Dispersal Dates:

Seed Bearing Age:

Seed Bearing Frequency:

Seed Stratification: Prechill for 2-3 months at 34F to 40F

The acorn is oval with the cap covering almost one-half. The edge of the cup is not deeply fringed.

The tree has a pale yellow, thin underbark. The outer bark is rather smooth, with shallow, connected fissures. It is dark brown near the base of tree to gray brown above.

Click on a thumbnail image below to view a larger picture.

Knowledge That Works The Iowa State Forestry Extension offers many educational opportunities and can also custom prepare forestry educational materials and programs to meet the needs of clients.
Where Can You Find Information? Contact: Dr. Jesse Randall by email or call 515-294-1168	Forestry Extension: [Topic of Discussion] Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3221
...And Justice For All Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.