treeN. America Native

Red Oak

Name: Red Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus rubra

$97.90

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

900 inches

Width

900 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived (200-400 years)

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Acorns toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown and stout branches. Its leaves are distinctively bristle-tipped, dark green in summer, turning russet-red to bright red in the fall. It is one of the faster-growing oaks and is more tolerant of urban conditions and easier to transplant than many other oak species. Its acorns are large and a favorite of wildlife.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A noble and stately shade tree with a magnificent, broad-rounded form at maturity. It offers reliable russet-red fall color and a strong winter silhouette.

A fast-growing and long-lived tree that provides dense shade. The wood is highly valued for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. It is also excellent firewood.

A keystone species in its native habitat, supporting hundreds of species of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). The acorns are a crucial food source for deer, bears, turkeys, squirrels, and blue jays.

Marketplace

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a large, open site in full sun with acidic, well-drained soil
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball
Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above grade
Backfill with native soil, watering to settle
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it off the trunk
Water deeply and regularly for the first few years

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage and avoid soil compaction around the root zone to prevent stress and disease susceptibility.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Protect young trees from deer and rabbit damage.
Water during extended droughts to maintain vigor.
Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches in winter.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or alkaline soils.
Do not prune oaks during the growing season (April-October) to prevent oak wilt infection.
Do not try to transplant established trees due to their deep taproot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic shade tree for large propertiesClassic park or campus specimenValuable tree for wildlife landscapes

Companion Plants

Asarum canadense Tiarella cordifolia Polystichum acrostichoides Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Oak questions

What zones can Red Oak grow in?

Red Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Red Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Oak bloom?

Red Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Oak need full sun?

Red Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Red Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.