Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

The Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is a majestic, fast-growing hardwood tree known for its brilliant fall color and valuable timber. Its acorns are a crucial food source for a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, deer, and birds. With its broad, spreading canopy, the Red Oak is also a stunning shade tree, perfect for larger landscapes.

Our Red Oak trees are selected for their robust growth and adaptability, making them ideal for low-input landscapes.

These trees offer a combination of aesthetic beauty and ecological value, allowing you to grow high-quality acorns while providing habitat and food for wildlife with minimal maintenance.

Plant Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Quercus rubra
• Size & Shape: Grows 60-75 feet in height with a spread of 40-50 feet; broad, rounded crown.
• Fruit Type: Produces large, round acorns that mature in early fall.
• Flowering: Inconspicuous greenish-yellow catkins in spring.
• Wildlife Benefits: Acorns are a critical food source for a wide range of wildlife; the large canopy provides nesting and shelter opportunities for birds and small mammals.

Growing Conditions:

• Sun Requirement: Prefers full sun.
• Water Requirement: Moderate water needs, with some drought tolerance once established.
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-8.
• Soil Preference: Prefers well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soils; adaptable to various soil types.

Photos by Peter O’Connor and Sludge G