Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Hill's Oak

Description:

This exciting new shade tree features pointy leaves and excellent rich red fall color, fast growing for an oak; grafted onto bur oak rootstock to increase this tree's tolerance to alkaline and clay soils

Ornamental Features

Shooting Star Northern Pin Oak has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges brick red in spring on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The spiny lobed leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up. The furrowed gray bark and silver branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Shooting Star Northern Pin Oak is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Shooting Star Northern Pin Oak is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade

Planting & Growing

Shooting Star Northern Pin Oak will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 40 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 6 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species.