Quick answer: Pin oak (Quercus palustris) is native to 27 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Bruce Marlin, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Heavy, poorly drained, acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 75 ft, typically 60-70 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts songbirds/water birds/ground birds/mammals/butterflies/hummingbirds, larval host for Gray Hairstreak |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Pin oak
Where is Pin oak native?
Pin oak (Quercus palustris) is native to 27 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Pin oak bloom?
Pin oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Pin oak need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: High water, Moist-Wet. Soil: Heavy, poorly drained, acidic soils. Mature height: Up to 75 ft, typically 60-70 ft.
Is Pin oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts songbirds/water birds/ground birds/mammals/butterflies/hummingbirds, larval host for Gray Hairstreak.
Is Pin oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Pin oak is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Pin oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus palustris on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Pin oak.
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Black willow Salix nigra
Also listed under
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