Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–900" H × 480"–720" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Northern red oak is a large, stately shade tree with distinctive lobed leaves that turn brilliant red to orange in fall. This long-lived native can reach 50-75 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for spacious properties where it has room to develop its classic rounded crown.
In an HOA neighborhood
Northern Red Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Requires large space to mature properly
- Acorn drop in fall may need cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for banded hairstreak, rosy maple moth, gypsy moth.
Supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as a host plant, plus provides acorns for squirrels, deer, and birds. Flowers attract bees and beetles in late spring.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Northern Red Oak fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.