Red oak (Quercus rubra)
Red oak (Quercus rubra) is a tree that can grow higher than 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Red oak (Quercus rubra).
This plant has several common names including: red oak, American red oak or northern red oak.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: red oak, American red oak, northern red oak
Scientific name: Quercus rubra
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Red oak (Quercus rubra) – Fürstenauer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Other types of Quercus to consider:
See all Quercus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Red oak (Quercus rubra), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Red oak (Quercus rubra) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Quercus rubra likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Red oak (Quercus rubra) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Red oak (Quercus rubra) – AnRo0002, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
