Quercus rubra Northern Red
Northern Red Oak
Northern Red Oak makes a broad shade tree with strong branches and large, pointed-lobed leaves. Green summer foliage changes to reddish-brown and sometimes brighter scarlet shades in autumn.
The mature crown needs substantial space. Acorns provide food for wildlife, while the trunk develops long ridges separated by shallow furrows. Small spring flowers are secondary to the canopy and fall display.
Use sun or partial shade and well-drained, preferably acidic soil. Once established, the tree tolerates drought and urban air pollution. Alkaline conditions can cause leaf yellowing.
Size
• Height: 50–70 ft
• Width: 50–75 ft
Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Best Uses
• Provide Shade
• Specimen
• Woodland Gardens
- Plant type
- Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree
- Height
- 50-70 ft
- Width
- 50-75 ft
- Hardiness zones
- 4a–8b
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Flower color
- Green, Yellow
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Reddish-bronze, Scarlet
- Fruit color
- Brown
- Attracts
- Butterflies, Songbirds, Squirrels
- Soil
- Acidic, Loamy well-drained, Sandy well-drained
- Landscape use
- Provide Shade, Specimen, Woodland Gardens
- Shape
- Broad, Rounded, Spreading Canopy
- Bark
- Furrowed, Ridged
- Fruit
- Yes
- Fragrant
- No
- Deer resistant
- No
- Salt tolerant
- No
- Drought tolerant
- Yes
Plant photos (2)
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