Northern red oak Quercus rubra
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fagaceae family, native to Eastern North America (state tree of New Jersey). It grows 20–30 m (66–98 ft) tall and 15–22 m (49–72 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -37 °C (-35 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan Northern red oak in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Northern red oak at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 20–30 m (66–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–22 m (49–72 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -37 °C (-35 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: acorns (after leaching) |
| Native to | Eastern North America (state tree of New Jersey) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Northern red oak toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: acorns, leaves
Tannins: stomach upset; kidney damage risk to dogs and livestock.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Northern red oak
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Northern red oak in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- New York Botanical Garden (7 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (3 plants)
Questions about Northern red oak
- How far apart should I plant Northern red oak?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–22 m (49–72 ft).
- Does Northern red oak need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Northern red oak need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Northern red oak?
- It tolerates about -37 °C (-35 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Northern red oak flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Northern red oak poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Tannins: stomach upset; kidney damage risk to dogs and livestock.
- What grows well with Northern red oak?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Northern red oak. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Pointed lobes; russet-red autumn colour. Fast-growing for an oak.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- English oak Quercus robur
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- European beech Fagus sylvatica
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- White oak Quercus alba