Bayshore/ Pin Oak

COMMON NAME: Pin Oak                       

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Swamp Spanish Oak

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus palustris

FAMILY: Fagaceae

COMMUNITY: Maritime Forest

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial (Tree)

HEIGHT: to 100 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Late April to May

FRUITING TIME: Matures October to November of 2nd year

DISTRIBUTION: Vermont south to North Carolina, west to Kansas ~ Statewide outside Pine Barrens in NJ

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves alternate, simple, 5-9 lobes with deep sinuses, lobes toothed and sharply pointed, dark shinny green on top and lighter underneath, turn red in autumn ~ Acorn (fruit) round, light brown, thin, saucer-shaped cup ~ Trunk reaching 3 or more feet in diameter, smooth, light gray-brown bark ~ Lower branches persistent (remain attached after ordinarily fall off)

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Fagaceae) commonly called the Beach Family consists of large trees and some shrubs including chestnuts, chinkapins, and oaks as well as beeches. More than 200 species of oaks grow in the world, 60 of these occurring in the USA.  In general, the oaks are split into two groups: the red oaks and the white oaks.  The red oaks have bristle-tipped leaves and acorns that take two years to mature.  The white oaks have rounded lobes and acorns that mature in one season. The family name, Fagaceae comes from the Latin fagus derived from the Greek phagein which means “to eat”.  The genus Quercus is probably of Celtic origin meaning “beautiful tree”.   Members of this genus have acorns and the shape of this fruit can be used to identify the various species. The Pin Oak is good for rough lumber, ties, pilings and pulp.  Because of its frequent knots, it is not desirable for finishing purposes.  Pin Oaks are a shade tree. The acorns taste bitter due to the presence of tannins.  The tannins are readily soluble in water and when boiled with repeated changes of water, the acorns can be roasted as nuts, or dipped in sugar syrup and eaten as candy.  Dried acorns can be ground into meal and used to make breads and muffins.  Acorns are rich in protein and fat.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.