This medium sized Oak’s name is indicative of its preferred growing habitat, on upland sites. The Hill’s Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) has dark green leaves that turn a stunning, red-orange in the fall. Its acorns provide food for squirrels, mice, deer, and chipmunks, as well as a variety of birds. Grows best in dry, sandy, well draining soil with little organic matter. This Oak has a high tolerance for pollution in urban areas, and can survive in challenging soil conditions. Enjoying full sun while tolerating some shade, it is the most drought tolerant out of all the red oak groups (once it is established). Another common name for this oak is Northern Pin Oak.
