Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak
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Current Stock Height Guides
Current Stock Height Guides
Trade Customers
Trade Customers
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About 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.
Key Information to Know
Evergreen / Deciduous
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree
Mature Height & Width
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).
Frost Tolerance
Is Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak frost tolerant?
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.
Flowering Information
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.
Native Information
Is Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak an Australian Native? 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.
Wildlife Value
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.
Sunlight Information
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak will thrive best in:
Preffered Soil
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.
Botanical Information
Botanical Information
Botanical Information
Common Name: Northern Red Oak
Genus: Quercus
Botanical Species: rubra
Family: Fagaceae
Botanical Name: Quercus rubra
Landscape Uses
Landscape Uses
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak works in an:
Planting, Spacing & Care
Planting, Spacing & Care
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Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate).
Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting
Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting
Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.
- 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
- 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
- 50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
- 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
- 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
- 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
- 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
- 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
- 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
- 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
- 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
- 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)
Ideal Conditions
Ideal Conditions
Thrives in
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.
Drought Tolerance
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.
Flowering Information
Flowering Information
Does Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Not Applicable
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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