Northern Red Oak

Northern Red Oak main item image
Northern Red Oak main full-size item image Northern Red Oak full-size item image #2
bare-root trees
Check for new listings in early August
Notify me when back in stock
This item is currently unavailable.
Would you like us to e-mail you when it's back in stock?
Quercus rubra

60-75' × 45'

The most common oak in northern New England. Typically a single large trunk dividing into several large ascending spreading branches. While the branches are not as massive as some of the other oaks, its open rounded crown is magnificent. The trunk is a deep grey textured web of surfaces overlaid one upon another. Sharply toothed foliage turns orange-tan during apple season.

Fast growing, up to 2' per year. Prefers well-drained sandy slightly acid soils; red oaks we planted in shallow ledgy ground are thriving. Tolerates shade, compacted soil, salt, pollution and other urban conditions. Native to eastern North America. Z4.

(2–4' bare-root trees)
ships in spring
Quick Details
Hardy to Zone
4
Compare
Compare with other Oak
Variety Product Type Hardy to Zone
White Oak bare-root trees 3
Swamp White Oak bare-root trees 3
Bur Oak bare-root trees 3
Northern Red Oak bare-root trees 4
Scarlet Oak bare-root trees 5
Additional Information

Oaks Quercus spp.

Many oaks are native to New England. They are generally divided into two groups: the reds and the whites. The reds have pointier leaves and the whites have rounder ones. Most of them make absolutely breathtaking shade trees, creating a major presence in almost any landscape and providing bountiful forage for wildlife and for humans. The strongly astringent inner bark, foliage and acorn caps are all medicinal, and acorns were an extremely important human food source for thousands of years. Contrary to much of the literature, all acorns are edible, both reds and whites. (For detailed instructions on acorn processing, see Samuel Thayer’s book, Nature’s Garden.) The tannins from a handful of oak leaves added to homemade half-sours will keep pickles crisp for months. Oaks are monoecious so you need only one to get fruit.

Shipping

Items from our perennial plants warehouse ordered on or before February 20 will ship from March through early May, starting with warmer areas and finishing in colder areas.

Orders placed after February 20 will ship from April to May.