Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak) looks excellent as a fast-growing, upright shade tree with a broad, symmetrical canopy that provides strong architectural presence in large gardens, parks, and avenue plantings. Its dark green, deeply lobed leaves offer rich texture during the growing season and transform into a spectacular autumn display of maroon, red, and golden-brown hues, creating eye-catching seasonal interest.

Reaching 18 to 25 metres tall with a 12 to 15-metre spread, Northern Red Oak establishes quickly compared to other oaks, making it ideal where fast canopy development and shade are needed. Its straight trunk and neat form suit formal streetscapes and civic landscapes well.

It performs best in full sun with well-drained soils and tolerates urban conditions, clay soils, and moderate drought once established. The tree looks excellent when underplanted with shade-tolerant groundcovers or late-flowering perennials to extend seasonal interest beneath its canopy. Low maintenance and moderate watering needs make it a practical and attractive choice for both residential and public spaces.

Common Name: Northern Red Oak

Genus: Quercus

Botanical Species: rubra

Family: Fagaceae

Botanical Name: Quercus rubra

• Avenue Planting
• Shade Tree
• Street Tree
• Feature Tree
• Rural Property Planting

Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak works in an:

• Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
• Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
• Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
• Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height: 20m - 30m Approximately

Mature Width: 15 – 20 m

Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

• Medium Growth Rate

Is Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak frost tolerant?

Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

• Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
• Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
• Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
• Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
• Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
• Adelaide Metro & Coastal
• Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Quercus rubra produces small, inconspicuous catkins in spring. These blooms are not ornamental but mature into characteristic acorns that add subtle seasonal interest. The tree is primarily grown for its majestic form and stunning autumn colour, which ranges from red to deep burgundy.

Does Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak flower?

• Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

• Spring

Flower Type:

• Catkin-like

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

No

Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is Native to Native to eastern North America, where it grows in forests and upland slopes. Widely cultivated worldwide for its fast growth, strong form, and ornamental autumn colour.

Its broad canopy and sturdy branching structure provide excellent shelter and nesting space for small birds, while the foliage supports a diverse range of beneficial insects that play an important role in the local food web. Mature acorns also provide a seasonal food source for various wildlife species, making the Northern Red Oak a valuable biodiversity-supporting tree.

Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak will thrive best in:

• Full Sun

Quercus rubra performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate lighter sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay, compacted or waterlogged conditions unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can restrict root development and reduce growth. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish strong roots. Once established, the Northern Red Oak develops moderate drought tolerance and performs reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. Occasional supplementary watering during extended heat helps maintain canopy density and vibrant foliage colour.