treeN. America Native

Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak

Quercus nuttallii 'Solstyce Upright'

The Story

Plant Bio

Nuttall Oak is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to bottomlands of the south-central United States. It is highly valued for its adaptability, strong growth, and excellent red fall color.

Solstyce Upright is a cultivar selected for its distinctly upright, pyramidal growth habit and a strong central leader. It maintains a more formal and narrow profile than the species.

Uses & Benefits:

A handsome and symmetrical shade tree with deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that turn to brilliant shades of red and orange-red in the fall.

Its fast growth rate provides shade quickly, and its tolerance of both wet and periodically dry soils makes it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for difficult sites.

As a native red oak, it is a keystone species, providing food (acorns) and habitat for a vast array of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and hundreds of insect species.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to wet

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

South-central U.S.

Toxicity

Acorns toxic to horses

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a full sun location with room to grow.
Adapts to a wide range of soils, including wet clay.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Plant so the root flare is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, water well to remove air pockets.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Nuttall Oak is an excellent, more adaptable substitute for Pin Oak (Q. palustris) and Scarlet Oak (Q. coccinea), especially in higher pH soils.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few growing seasons.
Provide full sun for fastest growth and best fall color.
Prune young trees to encourage strong structure.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade.
Avoid severe drought conditions during establishment.
Do not top the tree or remove the central leader.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Adaptable and fast-growing street treeFormal specimen for parks and large lawnsShade tree for moist or clay soils

Companion Plants

Nyssa sylvatica Betula nigra Acer rubrum Ilex decidua

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak questions

What zones can Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak grow in?

Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak deer resistant?

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

When does Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak bloom?

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

Does Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak need full sun?

Solstyce Upright Nuttall Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).