Pin oak

Quercus palustris Münchh.

Family: Fagaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance). Detail: the Ontario Tree Atlas page has no poison or skin-contact section

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA has an "Oak (Quercus species)" genus page listing toxic to horses (gallotannin); that is a whole-genus page, not one for Quercus palustris specifically. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Quercus palustris Münchh. (Ontario Tree Atlas and Kew WCVP agree), not on the common name.. "Pin oak" here is Quercus palustris. The USask tree list says scarlet oak and "northern pin oak" are hard to tell apart; northern pin oak is a different key in this wave. Check the botanical name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: Full sun per Ontario.
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of Ontario: grows best in moist, well-drained soils and tolerates moderate flooding. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: Ontario Tree Atlas: reaches about 66 ft (20 m) high; trunk up to about 3 ft (1 m) across; lower branches often die and point downward

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon