Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Photo by Volodymr
Summary
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
While oaks (Quercus spp) have a reputation for taking their time, this fast-growing member of the family can grow more than two feet per year for 10 years, and is easier than most to transplant. Pale yellow-green catkins emerge along with foliage in spring. The leaves provide beautiful fall color, turning russet to bright red. Red oaks tolerate urban conditions such as pollution and compacted soil. Its dense crown and rounded shape make it an excellent shade tree.
More Details
FAMILY
Fagaceae (Beech)
BLOOM TIME
March-April
FLOWER
Yellow, Green, Brown
MATURE SIZE
Large, 100 feet or more.
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Sun, part shade
SOIL CONDITIONS
Dry, moist
NATIVE STATUS
PA Native
Ecosystem Connections
Red oak is a host plant for many moths, other beneficial insects, and the gray hairstreak butterfly. It provides good cover and nesting sites (including cavities) for a wide variety of birds and mammals. Deer, elk, moose, and rabbits
commonly browse leaves and young seedlings, and the round, 1 inch acorns are eaten by a wide variety of large and small mammals and birds.