How fast does it grow?

It is considered a fast growing oak, often adding 2 feet or more per year in good conditions.

Does it need a lot of water?

Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry spells but prefers consistent moisture.

Plant guide

Northern red oak.

Quercus rubra

Pronounced KWER-kus ROO-bruh

Also known as Northern Red Oak, Red Oak

The northern red oak is a majestic, fast growing tree known for its impressive size and brilliant fall color. It is a staple of North American forests that provides excellent shade and habitat for local wildlife. You will love watching its leaves turn a deep, rich red as the temperatures drop.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 60 to 90 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of room for its large root system to spread out. Keep an eye on the foliage for signs of leaf spot or scale insects during humid summers. Ensure it gets consistent moisture while young to help it establish a strong foundation.

Watering: Young trees need regular watering until they are established, but mature trees are quite drought tolerant.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring if the tree shows signs of slow growth.
Pruning: Prune during the dormant winter season to remove dead or crossing branches.
Repotting: This tree is generally grown outdoors, but if kept in a container, move it to a larger pot every few years.
Soil: Well drained, acidic, loamy soil
Soil pH: 4.5 to 7.0
Temperature: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%

Safety

People: The leaves and acorns contain tannins which can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Pets: The leaves and acorns contain tannins that are toxic to dogs and cats. Eating them usually causes stomach upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, and large amounts can rarely lead to kidney damage. Swallowed acorns can also cause an intestinal blockage, especially in dogs.
Children: Acorns are a choking hazard for small children and should be cleared from play areas.
Contact allergens: The bark and leaves are generally safe, but some people may experience minor skin irritation from handling.
Airborne allergens: The windborne pollen is a significant allergen for many people during the spring flowering season.
Edibility: Acorns contain tannins that must be leached out before they are safe for human consumption.

How to identify it

Large, deciduous, lobed green leaves
Pointed leaf lobes with bristle tips
Dark, furrowed bark with shiny ridges
Large, round acorns with flat caps

Height: 18 to 25m
Spread: 12 to 18m
Leaves: green, red, bronze, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, green, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Oak Wilt · A fungal disease that blocks the tree's water conducting vessels.
Two-lined Chestnut Borer · Beetle larvae that tunnel under the bark and weaken the tree.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: Spring, Autumn

Plant smaller shade tolerant shrubs beneath the canopy to create a natural woodland effect.

Grows well with

Serviceberry · They share similar soil requirements and provide layered interest.
Witch Hazel · It thrives in the dappled shade provided by the oak canopy.

Similar species

Black Oak · It has similar leaf shapes but darker bark and different acorn characteristics.
Pin Oak · It has a more pyramidal shape and prefers wetter soil conditions.

Science

Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Quercus
Order: Fagales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central North America.
Conservation: It is a common and widespread species not currently under threat.

It is a dominant canopy tree that thrives in well drained soils and often colonizes areas after forest fires.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, food source for birds and mammals
Pollinators: bees, beetles
Uses: shade tree, timber production, wildlife habitat, ornamental specimen

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is considered a fast growing oak, often adding 2 feet or more per year in good conditions.
Does it need a lot of water?: Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry spells but prefers consistent moisture.

Where the name comes from

The name rubra means red in Latin, referring to the color of the wood and the autumn leaves. The common name northern red oak distinguishes it from other oak species in the region.

Good to know

It is the state tree of New Jersey.
The wood is highly valued for furniture and flooring.
It can live for over 300 years in ideal conditions.
The acorns take two seasons to fully mature.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.