Quercus rubra (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Northern red oak
Plant Form
Large Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
100.0
Width (ft)
50.0 - 75.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes

Photographer: Izabella Farr
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: psychofarm
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: psychofarm
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: mesic, well drained slopes, coves, and drier ridges

Wildlife value:  Supports a wide variety of butterflies and moths plus small mammals and songbirds. The Acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, blue joys, small mammals, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and black bear and are can be eaten by people after tannins are leached or boiled out.  Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees

Notes: Short lived, prone to fatal leaf scorch. 

Edibility: Acorns (nuts) are edible after tannins are leached or boiled out.

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Green
Flower Prominence
Reduced
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
April
May
Fall Color
Brown/Copper
Burgandy/Red
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Top 30 for Butterfly and Moth Caterpillars?
Yes
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
534
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date