Red Oak
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Plant Details:
Plant type: Tree | Straight native species
Sun: Full sun
Soil moisture: Dry to medium
Mature size: 50–75 ft. tall × 45–75 ft. wide
Bloom time: April–May
Growth rate: Medium to fast
Container size: 3 gallon pot
Estimated size at pickup in feet (if available): 4-5
Great For
• Large shade and street tree where soil volume is adequate
• Parks and large residential properties
• Wildlife habitat and restoration
Ecological Benefits
• Foliage supports hundreds of caterpillar species. Acorns feed birds and mammals, and mature trees provide nesting cavities and shelter.
Why We Recommend It
Northern Red Oak is a relatively fast-growing native oak that develops a broad canopy and dependable shade. We recommend it for parks, large residential properties, restoration sites, and street-tree locations with generous soil volume. Its foliage supports hundreds of native caterpillars, acorns feed birds and mammals, and mature trees provide shelter and cavities. Give it ample room and well-drained soil; wet ground, strongly alkaline conditions, and placement beside heavily used pavement can create avoidable problems.
Good to Know
• Relatively fast-growing native oak
• Large canopy and dependable shade
• High-value wildlife and caterpillar host tree
Care/behavior information: Prune young trees to develop sound branch structure. Protect roots and trunk from soil compaction and mower damage.
Warning or placement concerns (if applicable): Needs considerable space. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites and strongly alkaline soil; acorns can be messy near pavement.
Notable wildlife detail (if applicable): A keystone host tree for native butterflies and moths.
Deer resistant (if applicable):
Rabbit resistant (if applicable):
Special tolerances: Drought; clay soil; air pollution; urban conditions; moderate salt
Fall 2026 Plant Pickup
This is a preorder item and will not be available until our fall pickup event. Plants are not shipped.
Pickup Dates
Thursday, October 1, 2026 |11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Pickup Location
Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Indiana. More info will be shared via email as the pick-up dates approach.
Please plan to pick up your order during one of these scheduled times. Plants are living material and cannot be held beyond the pickup event unless prior arrangements have been made.
Plant Guarantee
We guarantee that you will receive a healthy plant at pickup. Because survival depends on planting methods, weather, site conditions, and ongoing care, we cannot offer refunds or guarantees after pickup. Height estimates are approximate and not guaranteed. Remember that you're investing in a healthy root system—the foundation of long-term success—not simply above-ground height.
Photos courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation and/or Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.