Red Oak

About Red Oak

Red Oak (Quercus rubra), or Northern Red Oak, is one of the fastest-growing and most statuesque oaks in North America, making it a favorite for both timber and landscaping. It can reach heights of 60 to 75 feet (occasionally up to 100 feet), developing a broad, rounded crown that provides deep, cooling shade. Its large leaves have pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and turn a brilliant, deep red in the autumn, providing some of the most reliable fall color of any native tree. The bark is smooth and gray on young trees, developing flat-topped ridges that resemble 'ski tracks' as it matures. Native to the eastern and central United States and Canada, it thrives in a variety of upland habitats with well-drained soil. Ecologically, it is a powerhouse, providing high-energy acorns for winter-foraging wildlife and serving as a critical host for hundreds of insect species. It prefers full sun and medium-moisture, acidic soils but is quite adaptable to urban environments. With its rapid growth, stunning fall display, and immense wildlife value, the Red Oak is a premier choice for large-scale landscape plantings.