Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra (Fagaceae) is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia and Pennsylvania west to Minnesota and Iowa. It grows to about 81 feet tall with a 59-foot spread, forming a broad, rounded crown at maturity. The leaves have pointed, bristle-tipped lobes (red oak group) and turn russet to red in autumn. Bark on mature trees develops flat-topped ridges separated by shallow furrows.

Northern red oak grows in sun to part shade on a variety of soils (pH 4.3 to 7.3) with moderate water needs. It is fast growing for an oak and transplants more easily than many species. The largest specimens develop in deep, fine-textured soils in protected ravines. It is one of the most important timber oaks and a widely planted urban and shade tree. Hardy in Zones 3b to 8b.