Quercus ellipsoidalis

RHS Plant Profile
northern pin oak
northern pin oak RHS
Trees

A large, spreading tree to 30m tall with ascending upper branches and lower branches that descend towards the ground. The deeply-lobed, glossy green leaves on slender stalks are 7-13cm long and turn a deep crimson-purple in the autumn. Insignificant yellowish-green flowers in catkins are followed by elliptic acorns with saucer-shaped cups

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
more than 50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
NE US

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in mid-autumn or early winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus