Northern Pin Oak Tree

Quercus ellipsoidalis

Nature Hills Nursery

Deep Red Fall Foliage and Dense Wood Make Northern Pin Oak a Standout Shade Tree
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-7
Grows 50-60 ft Tall, 40-45 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Stunning Red Fall Foliage

$134⁰³

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Plant Size

#3 Container 3-4 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This tree demands full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct, unfiltered light every day to maintain a strong central leader and dense canopy. If planted in partial shade, the tree will likely become sparse, reach for light, and lose its desirable symmetrical shape.
Soil: Northern Pin Oaks prefer well-drained, acidic soil and tolerate sandy or dry textures far better than many other oak species. However, avoid planting in highly alkaline soils, as this can prevent the tree from absorbing iron and cause the leaves to turn yellow (chlorosis).

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, water deeply and consistently to encourage the taproot to grow down rather than sideways. Once the root system is established, this oak is quite drought-tolerant and handles dry spells well. Inconsistent watering during the establishment phase often results in stunted growth and leaf scorch during the heat of summer.

Pruning Tips

You must prune this tree only during the dormant season, specifically in late winter before the buds swell. Pruning during the active growing season releases sap that attracts beetles carrying the deadly Oak Wilt fungus. Remove any lower branches that interfere with mowing or walking, and clear out dead or crossing limbs to improve airflow through the canopy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular tree fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers near the tree's root zone late in the growing season, as this pushes soft, new growth that will be damaged by the first winter freeze.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Drought resistant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Non-invasive
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	50-60 ft
Width	40-45 ft
Watering Needs	High
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Oak
Botanical Name	Quercus ellipsoidalis
Species	ellipsoidalis
Class	Fagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

While "exciting" or "pizazz" may not be the first words you think of when picking out an Oak, the Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) is happy to change your mind! This Oak is known for its dense wood and thrives in poor soil and shade. When it comes to Oaks, this one has more character too!

The Northern Pin Oak's leaves are a deep glossy green with deep, sharp lobes that terminate on pointed tips. As the Northern Pin Oak grows, it will fill in more and more for a dense rounded form with broad outstretching branches.

Choose a spot where you can admire your Northern Pin Oak in fall when its leaves blush to a deep red! Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 7, these are fantastic Native trees for the cold Northern winters! Like many Oaks, Pin Oak keeps its dried leaves over the winter to protect next year's leaf buds.

Landscape Application:

The Pin Oak has a more airy and light appearance than Red Oaks but still offers prestige and plenty of shade! This tree grows taller than many other Oak varieties and has remarkable drought tolerance once established.

This tree does well as a large front yard planting that will add curb appeal and shade your home or as a dense shade tree for the backyard. Create groupings that will benefit wildlife and you during the summer heat! Perfect for outdoor dining rooms and seating areas, a shaded reading nook, or a place to watch the leaves turn deep red around the fire pit!

This handsome Oak also goes by the names Hill's Oak, Jack Oak, and Yellow Oak! As for acorns, you won't have to worry about those for another fifteen to twenty years. It doesn't produce until it reaches its second decade. That doesn't mean the wildlife won't visit your tree to nest in its strong limbs and dense protection from the elements!

Fine-Textured Sharp Lobed Leaves
Dense Rounded Canopy & Broad Spread
Acorns For Wildlife In 15-20 Years
Bright Red Fall Color - Younger Trees Can Keep Leaves All Winter
Fantastic Shade Trees, Specimens & Groupings

#ProPlantTips for Care

Easy care Oak Trees need a full sun location for your tree to do best in the long run, but young trees can handle a bit of shade. As for soil, your Northern Pin Oak doesn't mind clay, sand, or any type as long as it is well-drained and won't get soggy.

Provide new trees with regular deep waterings to establish that deep root system which is better at tolerating drought. Top-dress the root zone with 3-4 inches of arborist mulch and prune your tree to correct its growth in the late winter!

Full Sun (Some Shade When Young)
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture - Drought Tolerant Once Established
Prune When Dormant
Very Cold-Hardy Native Trees!

A tall Native Pin Oak variety with great prestige! Order your own new magnificent shade and wildlife tree today at Nature Hills and we'll ship you a well-rooted tree that is ready to take off in your landscape!

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Growing Zones 4-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the growth rate of Northern Pin Oak trees?

Northern Pin Oak has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically adding 12-18 inches per year once established. These trees reach maturity around 15-20 years when they begin producing acorns. Give yours plenty of space to develop its characteristic dense, rounded canopy with broad spreading branches.

Is the Northern Pin Oak tolerant of wet or clay soils?

Northern Pin Oak thrives in poor soil conditions and has remarkable drought tolerance once established. This hardy native (zones 4-7) adapts well to challenging sites including clay soils. Shop at Nature Hills for this resilient shade tree that handles tough growing conditions.

What is your shipping process for Northern Pin Oak trees, and how do they arrive?

Northern Pin Oak trees ship bare root or potted depending on season and size, arriving ready to plant in zones 4-7. These hardy natives are carefully packaged to protect their root systems during transit. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep roots moist if planting must be delayed a few days.

What planting instructions come with the Northern Pin Oak tree?

Northern Pin Oak thrives in USDA zones 4-7 and tolerates poor soil and shade conditions. This native oak adapts well to challenging sites where other trees struggle. Plant in a location where you can enjoy the brilliant red fall color and allow plenty of space for its broad, spreading canopy.

Is this Northern Pin Oak suitable for my zone, and will it thrive in my cold winters?

Northern Pin Oak thrives in USDA zones 4-7 and handles cold Northern winters exceptionally well. This native tree is specifically bred for harsh conditions and will establish into a reliable shade tree. Check your zone and shop at Nature Hills to add this cold-hardy oak to your landscape.

Northern Pin Oak Tree

Quercus ellipsoidalis