Oak, Northern Red, Bare Root

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Northern Red Oak is a fast-growing, long-lived native oak that thrives in a wide range of soils and delivers exceptional value for wildlife, insects, and reforestation projects. Known for its straight trunk, deeply lobed leaves, and brilliant red fall foliage, this eastern U.S. native is one of the most widely planted oaks for restoration, timber, silvopasture, and large-scale permaculture systems. As a member of the red oak group, it plays a critical role in supporting caterpillars, birds, and forest succession.

Key Characteristics

• High-Value Acorns for Wildlife
  Produces medium to large acorns that mature in two seasons and are favored by deer, squirrels, blue jays, wild turkeys, and black bears. While slightly higher in tannins than white oaks, red oak acorns persist longer into fall and winter, providing late-season food for wildlife.
• Supports Over 500 Lepidoptera Species
  Northern Red Oak is a keystone species in Eastern forests, serving as a host plant for hundreds of native caterpillars, including Luna moths, Polyphemus moths, and Red-spotted Purples. This insect diversity supports songbirds during nesting and migration.
• Fast-Growing and Adaptable Tree
  Among the fastest-growing native oaks, it can grow 2 feet or more per year under optimal conditions. It thrives in medium, well-drained soils, but tolerates clay, rocky uplands, and moderately compacted urban soils once established.
• Brilliant Fall Color and Strong Form
  In autumn, Northern Red Oak turns a rich red to scarlet, often holding its leaves late into the season. With its tall, straight trunk and wide-spreading crown, it offers beauty as well as ecological function in large native gardens, rewilding zones, and agroforestry projects.
• Ideal for Silvopasture, Timber, and Reforestation
  Its fast growth and valuable hardwood make it a good species for silvopasture, timber production, and ecological restoration. It establishes well in succession plantings, particularly when paired with nitrogen fixers and fast-growing nurse species.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern and Central U.S.
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous tree
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium
• Mature Height: 60–90 feet
• Bloom Time: April–May
• Bloom Color: Yellow-green (inconspicuous catkins)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Northern Red Oak is a powerhouse native tree—resilient, ecologically rich, and foundational to healthy forest ecosystems. It’s an essential species for regenerative landscapes, especially where wildlife support, fast growth, and long-term value are needed.