treeN. America Native

Cherrybark Oak

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, fast-growing deciduous tree of the red oak group, native to the southeastern US. It is highly regarded for its excellent form, with a straight trunk and strong branches, and its high-quality timber.

Cherrybark Oak gets its name from its mature bark, which is dark and scaly, resembling that of a black cherry tree. It is considered one of the most desirable and highest-quality red oaks for both timber and landscape use.

Uses & Benefits:

A truly magnificent tree with a straight, clean trunk and a beautifully symmetrical, rounded crown. The dark, cherry-like bark adds winter interest, and the leaves can have good fall color.

The wood is one of the most valuable of all red oaks, prized for furniture, flooring, and veneer. Its fast growth and strong wood make it an excellent shade tree.

A cornerstone of its native ecosystem. It hosts hundreds of species of Lepidoptera larvae and its acorns are a vital food source for a wide range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and squirrels.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

960 inches

Width

720 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Very long-lived (150+ years)

Native To

Southeastern 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 large, open site in full sun.
Prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils but adapts to clay.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Plant the tree with its root flare at or just above soil level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water deeply.
Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Give this magnificent tree plenty of space to develop its impressive mature form; it is not suited for small residential lots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during the first few years of establishment.
Protect the young trunk from lawnmowers and string trimmers.
Prune for structure when young to ensure a strong, straight central trunk.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, swampy sites or dry, sandy ridges.
Avoid planting under utility lines or too close to buildings.
Do not prune oaks during the growing season to prevent oak wilt infection.

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

Majestic shade tree for large properties and parksHigh-value timber and wildlife plantingStately avenue or street tree

Companion Plants

Liquidambar styraciflua Liriodendron tulipifera Carya ovata Fagus grandifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cherrybark Oak questions

What zones can Cherrybark Oak grow in?

Cherrybark 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 Cherrybark Oak deer resistant?

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

When does Cherrybark Oak bloom?

Cherrybark 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 Cherrybark Oak need full sun?

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