Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)

Pin Oak Leaves

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Near the Visitor Center

Significance:

Large Shade Tree

Designation:

Tree Identification

Amenities

5 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Restroom, Toilet - Flush, Water - Bottle-Filling Station

Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)
 

Northern Pin Oak is a medium-sized deciduous oak tree, and it grows up to a height of 50-70 feet, occasionally exceeding 80 feet. Northern Pin Oak displays an oval form with a rounded crown, and it has dark green and glossy leaves with bristles on the tips. It has bark that is gray or dark brown, and the leaves are known to turn into a russet red color in autumn. It is called Northern Pin Oak because of its short branchlets that stand out like pins on the tree. This oak tree grows at about 24 inches per year.

Fun Challenge: Can you find a “scary face” on the trunk of a large Northern Pin Oak next to the Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center? Hint: it is facing the building.