Texas red oak
Quercus texana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Texas red oak (Quercus texana) is a perennial tree native to AL, AR, IL, KY and 6 more states. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Texas red oak (Quercus texana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
480"–720" H × 420"–540" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, IL, KY and 6 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A large deciduous shade tree with a broad, rounded canopy and glossy, deeply lobed leaves that turn red in fall. Tolerates wet, poorly drained soils better than many oaks and grows at a moderate to fast rate.
Growing Texas red oak
Grow Texas red oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 720 inches tall and spread 420 to 540 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Texas red oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge.
- mature size requires clearance from structures, foundations, and overhead power lines
- drops leaves and acorns requiring seasonal cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for banded hairstreak, Juvenal's duskywing, imperial moth.
A keystone tree that hosts the larvae of numerous moth and butterfly species and produces acorns that feed wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Texas red oak need?
- Texas red oak grows best in full sun conditions.
- Where is Texas red oak native?
- Texas red oak (Quercus texana) is native to AL, AR, IL, KY and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Texas red oak host?
- Texas red oak is a larval host plant for banded hairstreak, Juvenal's duskywing, and imperial moth.
- Is Texas red oak HOA-friendly?
- Texas red oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Texas red oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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