Pin oak is a type of tree that belongs to the red oak group. It's known for its droopy lower branches and distinctively shaped leaves, which turn bright red in the fall. While pin oak is the most commonly used term to refer to this species, there are several other names for this tree. Some of its synonyms include Spanish oak, swamp oak, water oak, and bottomland oak. The name Spanish oak comes from its wide distribution in Southern Spain, while the name swamp oak reflects its preference for wet soils. The name water oak is also used due to this species' ability to grow in waterlogged areas. Finally, the name bottomland oak is used to describe pin oak's preference for lowland areas near rivers and streams.