Northern Red Oak

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Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Common Name(s)

Northern Red Oak
Red Oak
Grey Oak
Eastern Red Oak

Family

Fagaceae

Genus

Quercus

Full Scientific Name

Quercus rubra

Author

Linnaeus

Native Range

Introduced Range

Synonyms

Quercus borealis
Quercus maxima

Additional Details

Characteristics

Growth Form: Tree

Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous

Temperature Zone: 3

Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade

Soil Texture: Clay, Sand, Loam, Humus Enriched

Soil pH: Acidophile

Moisture Requirements: Normal, Moist

Drought Tolerant: Yes

Compaction Tolerant: No

Salt Tolerant: Yes

Juglone (Walnut) Tolerant: Yes

Habitat Considerations

Ecozone(s): Boreal Shield, Atlantic Maritime, Mixedwood Plains

Natural Habitat(s): Woodland, Savannah, Forest Edge, Rocky Bluff

Human Habitat(s): Hedgerow/Thicket/Windbreak/Screening, Woodland

Design Considerations

Minimum Height: 1500 cm

Maximum Height: 3000 cm

Bloom Time: Apr - May

Flower Colour(s): Green/Brown

Showy Flowers: No

Showy Fruit/Seeds: Yes

Fruit/Seed Colour(s): Brown

Erosion Control:

Larval Host: Grey Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Fragrant Flowers:

Fragrant Foliage:

Fall Colour(s): Yes

Bark: Yes

Poisonous to Humans: Yes

Thorns or Prickles:

Attracts Wildlife: Squirrels, Birds, Butterfly Larvae

Invasive Species: No

Conservation Status

Plant Watch Species: No

NatureServe Level:

IUCN Red Alert Status:

Interesting Tidbits

Provincial Tree/Wildflower: PE

Interesting Tidbits: POISONOUS PARTS: Acorns (seeds of nuts) and young leaves. Low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms include stomach pain, constipation and later bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.) Distinguished by shallow acorn cup, shallow pointed lobes(on leaves), reddish buds,old trees with deeply ridged bark. (Sibley Guide to Trees) According to (Farrar), this tree ranges from east of Lake Superior to Nova Scotia and P.E.I. The acorns are food for wild life and birds. Its beautiful wood has long been valued for furniture and flooring. Long- lived, cold-hardy, fast growing and providing exellent shade, this tree is often planted in cities. Red oak is often used in the restoration of wildlife habitat and degraded sites. (Benvie)

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Northern Red Oak

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