Northern red oak
Quercus rubra 路 Fagaceae 路 also Red oak
A large, fast-growing oak with a rounded crown about as wide as tall and gray bark that develops shiny flat ridges like ski tracks. Bristle-tipped leaves turn russet to bright red in fall, and acorns take two years to mature. It transplants easily and tolerates road salt, pollution and drought, so it is one of the most planted street and park oaks in the North.
Where it stands
Native
This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.
Recommended
A city, utility or extension service lists it among the trees it approves for planting here.
- 馃嚚馃嚘 Toronto, ON, Canada 路 On Toronto's list of species planted on streets (native to Ontario).source
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Sacramento, CA, United States 路 On the Sacramento Tree Foundation Shady 80 recommended trees listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 San Jose, CA, United States 路 On the Our City Forest Community Nursery tree species listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Washington, DC, United States 路 On the Casey Trees Tree Rebate eligible species listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Atlanta, GA, United States 路 On the Trees Atlanta Top 50 Atlanta Trees listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Boston, MA, United States 路 On the City of Boston Urban Forestry Division recommended public street trees listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 New York, NY, United States 路 On the NYC Parks Street Tree Planting Approved Species Listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Portland, OR, United States 路 On Portland's approved street tree list for planting strips 8.5 ft and wider without high-voltage lines.source
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Seattle, WA, United States 路 Offered as a street tree (8 ft+ planting strip) in Seattle's Trees for Neighborhoods 2026 program.source
Care
Plant in full sun in acidic, well-drained soil; chlorosis shows up on high-pH soils. Water through establishment, then it is drought tolerant. Prune only when dormant to avoid oak wilt; also watch for spongy moth, red oak borer and two-lined chestnut borer on stressed trees.
Benefits
Good for