Oak, Northern Red, Bare Root

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

A substantial red-group oak for well-drained woodland restoration and broad shade. Seedlings vary in fall color, growth, and eventual crown form.

Key Characteristics

Build a long-term canopy

Plant where the mature crown and roots have room to spread. It is a different site choice from the oaks selected for repeated bottomland flooding.

Leaves feed a different food chain

Oak foliage supports caterpillars such as imperial moth and hairstreak larvae; insect-eating birds use this living food supply. Retain some leaf litter and healthy leaf feeding beneath a habitat tree.

Acorns take a compatible planting

Red-group oaks generally take two growing seasons to mature acorns. Plant several genetically different trees of the same species with overlapping pollen release for a more dependable mast planting.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern and central North America
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry; Medium
• Mature height: 50–70 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: April–May
• Bloom color: Green, Yellow
• USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
• Fruit or seed: Acorns for wildlife; crops and bearing age vary among seedlings. Human food use requires correct identification and thorough tannin removal.
• Pollination: Wind-pollinated; plant several genetically distinct trees of the same species or hybrid type for a better chance of overlapping pollen and acorn production.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting and spread roots without bending them into a tight hole. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base feeding on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when needed.

Protect young trunks and roots from browsing, mowing, and compaction. Follow regional pruning guidance where oak wilt occurs; retain harmless galls and caterpillar feeding when practical. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. These are seedlings rather than selected clones, so growth, flowering, and fruiting vary.