northern red oak
Quercus rubra
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size50 to 75 feet tall50 to 75 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, woodland settings, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows fast and transplants easily, and fall color can be crimson, golden-orange, or russet. Deer tend to pass it by. Watch for oak wilt, and do not prune in wilt-infested areas during the growing season.
Pairs well with Witch hazel, Jack in the pulpit, and Sensitive fern.
Native range
Eastern North America.