Oak 'Red'
Oak 'Red'
Oak 'Red'

Oak 'Red'

J.C. Bakker Nurseries/Sheridan Nurseries Ltd.

$29.99
Title

Introduce a symbol of strength and endurance to your landscape with the Northern Red Oak. This majestic specimen is famous for its fast-growing, broad-spreading canopy and deep green, lustrous leaves that feature sharp, bristle-tipped lobes. As the crisp autumn air arrives, the entire tree ignites in a breathtaking display of brilliant russet-red and golden-orange, making it an unmistakable standout in any large garden or streetscape.
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Plant Details

Mature Size:

75' H x 50' W

Zone:

3-8

Watering:

Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Fast

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Northern Red Oak, Common Red Oak, Chêne rouge, Mountain Red Oak

Scientific Name:

Quercus rubra

Type:

Native Ornamental Shade Tree

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: 60–75 feet tall with a spread of 45–70 feet.
  • Growth Habit/Form: Upright with a rounded, broad-spreading crown.
  • Growth Rate: Fast for an oak, typically growing about 2 feet per year.
  • Longevity: A long-lived heritage tree capable of reaching 150–300 years.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained, fertile, acidic sandy loams.
  • Soil Tolerance: Highly adaptable; tolerates clay and compacted urban soils.
  • Watering: Consistent moisture is best during early years; avoids waterlogged sites.

Special Features:

Native species, Pollution Tolerant, Drought Tolerant (once established), and Salt Tolerant.
Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom: Yellowish-green catkins appear in spring with the new leaves.
  • Fall Colour: Outstanding shades of scarlet-red, russet-red, and bronze.
  • Bark: Smooth gray bark in youth, developing distinctive long, flat-topped ridges with age.
  • Fruit: Produces large acorns with flat, saucer-shaped caps that mature in their second year.

Garden Value:

A premier ornamental shade tree for parks, large lawns, and wide streets. Its dense canopy provides significant cooling and architectural interest.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: A keystone species that supports hundreds of pollinator species and provides critical winter food (acorns) for deer, turkeys, and blue jays.
  • Human Value: Provides dense summer shade; its wood is highly prized for flooring, cabinetry, and furniture.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Spring or Fall.
  • Spacing: Allow at least 50–60 feet from structures to accommodate its massive mature spread.
  • Location Tips: Choose a spot with ample room for roots; it has a non-aggressive taproot and transplants more easily than most oaks.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for optimal growth and fall color.
  • Moisture Requirements: Needs regular watering until established; once mature, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance; prune dead or crossing branches in late winter to maintain a strong structure.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if the soil is nutrient-poor.

Tolerances:

Urban stress, wind, black walnut, and dry soils.

Tips For Success:

Mulch deeply (2-3 inches) while young to keep roots cool and moist. Avoid planting in highly alkaline soils, which can cause leaf yellowing (chlorosis).
Fruit Profile