Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Northern Red Oak is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America that blooms in May and June. This adaptable oak supports bees and beetles while tolerating various growing conditions.
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern Red Oak as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Northern Red Oak
Grow Northern Red Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 inches tall and spread 480 to 720 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where is Northern Red Oak native?
- Northern Red Oak is native across much of eastern North America, from Maine to Georgia and west to Minnesota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
- When does Northern Red Oak bloom?
- Northern Red Oak typically blooms in May and June, producing inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated.
- What pollinators visit Northern Red Oak?
- While the flowers are primarily wind-pollinated, Northern Red Oak attracts bees and beetles that visit for pollen and nectar from the small flowers.
- What growing conditions does Northern Red Oak prefer?
- Northern Red Oak grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun, and adapts to a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Northern Red Oak toxic to dogs?
- Northern Red Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Northern Red Oak toxic to cats?
- Northern Red Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Northern Red Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Red Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Northern Red Oak HOA-friendly?
- Northern Red Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Northern Red Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz