Quercus rubra

Red Oak

Fast-growing native oak with leaves that emerge red to pink. Foliage becomes dark, lustrous green in summer, then russet red in fall. Trees are rounded when young becoming round-topped as they mature. It may take several years before trees produce acorns.

Acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, wild turkey, and other birds, as well as small and large mammals. Male catkins produce pollen. The trees provide nest sites for birds and pollen for pollinators.

Good choice for parks, golf courses, large lawns, and as a street tree. 

  • Native shade tree, broad to rounded habit
  • Brown-red fall color
  • Ideal for large yard

  • Category: Tree, Native
  • Hardiness Zone: 4-8
  • Height: 60-75 ft
  • Spread: 60-75 ft
  • Foliage Color: Dark Green
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Landscape Characteristics
Branch Structure
Foliage Color
Ornamental Fruit
Classification by Use
Native
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Specialty Use
Wildlife Garden
Animal Resistance
Deer Resistant
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Songbirds
Habit
Upright
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Foliage
Deciduous
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Summer
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Moisture
Well-Drained
Wet Soil/Wetlands
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Silver
Attributes
Low Maintenance
Native
Naturalizing
Specimen
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Quercus rubra

Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils that are somewhat acidic. Will develop chlorosis in high pH soils. Tolerates city pollution.