English oak and Pin oak are often considered for the same spot in the garden (shade, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Quercus robur 7 m × 5 m after 10 years
A native tree that lives for centuries and grows huge, with a broad, rounded crown and lobed leaves; it is home to a great many insects and birds.…
Quercus palustris 7 m × 4 m after 10 years
A fast-growing oak with a regular conical crown and glossy, deeply cut leaves that turn bright red in autumn. It tolerates wet and occasionally…
Pin oak grows faster than English oak.
Pin oak is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for English oak.
English oak is cheaper: about €10 at the size usually planted, against about €48 for Pin oak.
|
Feature
|
English oak
|
Pin oak
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 7 m × 5 m | 7 m × 4 m |
| Ultimate size | 20–35 m × 15–30 m | 15–25 m × 12–18 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, yellow, green | April–May, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 1500 cm | 1000 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €10 | approx. €48 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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