Oak, Northern Red
Quercus rubra
Family: Fagaceae
2-3 ft height at sale, bare root
2-0
Native to Vermont
Sourced from NY
Can roast acorns. Offers great shade.
General Information
Recommended Spacing (ft)
35 - 40
Mature Width (ft)
45
Mature Height (ft)
60 - 75
Annual Growth Rate (in)
> 24
Sun Preference
Full Sun
Soil Type
Loamy, Sandy, or Clay Soils
Soil Moisture
Well-drained, Moist, some drought tolerance
Description
The northern red oak has been a favorite of both lumbermen and landscapers since colonial times. The tree has also found favor when transplanted in Europe. It is believed that Bishop Compton's garden, near Fulham in England, received the first red oak transplant abroad in the late 17th century. In 1924, there were over 450 acres of red oak plantations in Baden, Germany.
Bristle-tipped leaves turn red in the fall. The leaves have 7 to 11 waxy lobes. This is a good street tree that tolerates pollution and compacted soil. Grows as much as two feet a year for 10 years. Grows in zones 3-8
This tree:
- Grows more than two feet per year for 10 years.
- Provides great fall color, with leaves turning russet-red to bright red.
- Is easier than most to transplant.
- Features alternating leaves that are 4–8" long and have 7–11 waxy, spine-tipped lobes.
- Produces pale yellow-green catkins that appear at about the same time new foliage is expanding, typically April–May.
- Yields acorns that are round and ¾–1" long with a flat, thick, saucer-like cap.
- Offers great shade due to a dense crown.
- Tolerates pollution and compacted soil.
- Grows in a rounded shape.
Acorns from this tree are at the top of the food preference list for blue jays, wild turkeys, squirrels, small rodents, whitetail deer, raccoons and black bears. Deer also browse the buds and twigs in wintertime.
[Description from arborday.org]