Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood, Native
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None specified (Wild species type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-8; very adaptable to cold climates and various urban stresses.
About This Tree
A large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, round-topped crown. It is a dominant canopy tree in many eastern forests. Known for its symmetrical growth and strong branching structure.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate arrangement; 5-9 inches long; 7-11 shallow, bristle-tipped lobes. Leaves are dark green above and paler below, turning a vibrant russet-red to bright red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to black; smooth on young trees, developing into wide, flat-topped ridges with shallow furrows that look like 'ski tracks' on older trunks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America (Eastern and Central United States and Southeast Canada)
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring; flowers in April-May (catkins); fruits (acorns) ripen in autumn of the second year; enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun; requires moderate water but is remarkably well-drained soil; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Height: 60-80 feet; Spread: 45-50 feet; Growth rate: Fast (up to 2 feet per year); Lifespan: 150-200+ years.
Special Characteristics
High timber value for flooring and furniture; excellent fall color; moderate pollution tolerance; acorns have a very bitter taste due to high tannin content.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical ecological value; provides high-energy acorns for squirrels, deer, and blue jays; supports hundreds of species of Lepidoptera (caterpillars) and provides excellent nesting sites.