treeN. America Native

Southern Red Oak

Name: Southern Red Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus falcata

$89.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Very long-lived, 150+ years

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus falcata is a large, deciduous tree in the red oak group, native to the southeastern United States. It is characterized by its distinctive bristle-tipped, falcate (sickle-shaped) leaves and a rounded, open crown. The leaves are highly variable but often have a distinctive bell-shaped base and 3-7 deep, bristle-tipped lobes. It is highly adapted to the poor, dry, sandy or clay soils of the Southeast.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A noble and picturesque shade tree, the Southern Red Oak develops a broad, rugged crown with age. Its deeply lobed, dark green leaves provide textural interest and turn shades of reddish-brown in the fall.

Its excellent drought tolerance and adaptability to poor soils make it a low-maintenance choice for challenging, sunny sites. The strong wood is resistant to storm damage.

As a keystone species, it is an ecological powerhouse. Its acorns are a critical food source for wildlife like deer, squirrels, turkeys, and blue jays. It hosts hundreds of species of caterpillars, which in turn feed songbirds.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a wide, shallow hole, no deeper than the root ball.
Carefully place the tree, ensuring the root flare is above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil. Do not add amendments.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch a wide area, but keep mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant from a smaller container-grown specimen, as its deep taproot makes transplanting larger trees difficult.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it plenty of room to grow to its mature size.
Protect the young trunk from mechanical damage (mowers, string trimmers).
Allow fallen leaves to remain as natural mulch.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or wet soils.
Avoid overwatering once established.
Don't try to transplant mature specimens.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable shade tree for dry sitesNaturalistic planting or restoration projectLarge park or property specimen

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium Solidago speciosa Callicarpa americana Vaccinium arboreum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Southern Red Oak questions

What zones can Southern Red Oak grow in?

Southern Red Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Southern Red Oak deer resistant?

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

When does Southern Red Oak bloom?

Southern 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 Southern Red Oak need full sun?

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

Is Southern Red Oak drought tolerant?

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