Northern Pin
Quercus ellipsoidalis
Northern Pin (Quercus ellipsoidalis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Develops iron chlorosis in our alkaline soils, leaves yellow with green veins, then decline.
medium water40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Not Recommended
- Botanical name
- Quercus ellipsoidalis
- Variety / cultivar
- Northern Pin
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 4.5–6.8
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryIt wants soil on the acid side, but ours runs alkaline, so it yellows between green veins from iron chlorosis and needs treatment to hold color.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Northern Pin good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Northern Pin is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Northern Pin not recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: It wants soil on the acid side, but ours runs alkaline, so it yellows between green veins from iron chlorosis and needs treatment to hold color.
- How big does Northern Pin get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Northern Pin need?
- Give Northern Pin about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Northern Pin grow into?
- Northern Pin typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Northern Pin hardy on the Front Range?
- Northern Pin is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Northern Pin need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Northern Pin grow?
- Northern Pin is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Northern Pin live?
- Northern Pin is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Northern Pin turn in fall?
- Northern Pin turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Northern Pin native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Northern Pin deer-resistant?
- No. Northern Pin is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Northern Pin prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Northern Pin has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
