Quercus rubra

Common Name:
Northern Red Oak

Description:
Quercus rubra, commonly known as Northern Red Oak, is a majestic deciduous tree valued for its broad canopy, rapid growth, and spectacular autumn foliage. Native to eastern North America, it is widely planted as a feature and shade tree in parks, large gardens, and avenues. Its glossy, dark green leaves have distinctive pointed lobes and transform into brilliant shades of red, crimson, and burnt orange during autumn, creating a stunning seasonal display. In spring, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers are followed by rounded acorns that mature over two growing seasons and provide a valuable food source for wildlife. Northern Red Oak thrives in Melbourne's climate when planted in full sun with deep, fertile, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided drainage is good, and once established it is relatively drought tolerant. With its impressive size, strong structure, and exceptional seasonal interest, Quercus rubra is an outstanding choice for large landscapes where it can develop into a magnificent long-lived specimen tree.

Form:

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 20–30 m
• Width: 15–20 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Yellow-green

Key Attributes:

• Bee Attracting
• Bird Attracting
• Deciduous
• Long-lived
• Perennial
• Shade tree
• Specimen tree
• Spectacular autumn foliage

Toxicity:

• Acorns, leaves and young shoots are toxic if consumed in significant quantities, particularly to horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs due to tannin content.
• May cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs if large quantities of acorns are ingested.

Companion Plants:

• Acer palmatum
• Cornus florida
• Helleborus
• Hydrangea quercifolia
• Liriope muscari
• Magnolia grandiflora
• Rhododendron
• Viburnum plicatum