Photo of Quercus rubra foliage by Alina Zienowicz

Photo by Alina Zienowicz

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Quercus rubra

Also Known As

  • Quercus borealis
  • Champion Oak
  • Northern Red Oak
  • Red Oak

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 100'
  • W: 60'-70'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

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Quercus rubra plant details

Quercus rubra is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring flowers emerge followed by brown and red fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Quercus rubra

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 60 FT - 70 FT - wide, 100 FT tall
Uses: fall color, shade tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Quercus rubra

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Deep brilliant-red fall color highlights this 50-70' tree of rounded habit. In summer if has wonderful deep-green leaves which are silver-white beneath and have 7-11 sharply-pointed lobes. The species is faster growing than many other oaks and very beautiful, however, the acorn crop on this specimen may not arrive until after its 40th birthday! S/M
The Northern Red Oak is native across the Eastern U.S. where it forms large stands of tall, wide trees. In the fall the leaves turn from dark green to bright red, making this one of the most colorful oak species that can be grown in the U.S. The Red Northern Oak is a fast growing species that is very tolerant of both extreme heat and cold as well as extended periods of drought. This is a very popular street tree across the country because young trees develop a very even structure with very little pruning or training and then develop a wide canopy as the tree matures.

Large, deciduous tree with an upright, oval habit in youth, changing to more rounded and spreading with age. Dark green, deeply incised leaves turn brick red in the fall. Abundant acorns mature over a two year period and are very attractive to wildlife, such as birds and squirrels. Great choice for a large, shade-providing tree for big yards or parks. Prefers moist, well-drained soils, but does well in poor soils, dry soils, or varying pH soils.
Among the largest of the North American oaks, it grows fast and is easy to transplant.
Fast growing, upright broad oval shape, fall color red to brown. Tolerant of damp soils. Hardy to Zone 4.
Robust growing oak that puts on a burst of fall display turning rich red then cools to a subtle brown. Can serve as a shade tree or tree house foundation.

Gardening facts about Quercus rubra plant

How to Grow Quercus rubra

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Fruit

    • red
    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Quercus for your garden

aka Japanese Emperor Oak, Pinnatafida Daimyo Oak, Pinnatafida Emperor Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 12'-20'

Width: 10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Quercus dentata 'Pinnatifida' foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Quercus dentata 'C. F. Miller', C.F. Miller Emperor Oak, Carl Ferris Miller Daimyo Oak, Carl Ferris Miller Emperor Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 25'-35'

Width: 25'-35'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Quercus dentata 'Carl Ferris Miller' foliage by Danger Garden
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aka Concordia English Oak, Concordia Golden English Oak, Concordia Golden Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 15'-30'

Width: 15'-30'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Quercus robur 'Concordia' form by Karl Gercens III
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aka Quercus endresii, Quercus irazuensis

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 60'

Width: 60'-100'

  • sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Quercus costaricensis foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Gambel Oak, Rocky Mountain White Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 30'

Width: 25'

  • sun
  • occasional
  • dry in summer
Photo of Quercus gambelii foliage by Cory Maylett
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+162 more Quercus
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