Southern Red Oak
Quercus falcata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus falcata (Southern Red Oak) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States that blooms from March to May. This drought-tolerant oak supports butterflies and other wildlife while thriving in full sun conditions.
Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) 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 Southern Red Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
840"–960" H × 480"–600" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Southern Red Oak is a large native shade tree that can reach 70-80 feet tall with a broad, rounded canopy. This long-lived deciduous oak produces inconspicuous flowers in spring and develops distinctive lobed leaves that turn brilliant red to orange in fall.
Growing Southern Red Oak
Grow Southern Red Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 840 to 960 inches tall and spread 480 to 600 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southern Red Oak takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
Supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillar host plant, making it one of the most valuable native trees for wildlife. Acorns provide food for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is Southern Red Oak native?
- Quercus falcata is native to 24 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, from New York and New Jersey south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma.
- When does Southern Red Oak bloom?
- Southern Red Oak produces flowers from March through May, with timing varying by location and local climate conditions.
- What wildlife does Southern Red Oak support?
- This oak species serves as a host plant and nectar source for various butterflies and supports numerous other wildlife species including birds and mammals that feed on its acorns.
- What growing conditions does Southern Red Oak prefer?
- Southern Red Oak thrives in full sun to partial sun and tolerates low to moderate water conditions, making it well-suited to drought-prone areas once established.
- Is Southern Red Oak toxic to dogs?
- Southern Red Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Southern Red Oak toxic to cats?
- Southern Red Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Southern Red Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Southern Red Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Southern Red Oak HOA-friendly?
- Southern Red Oak takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Southern Red Oak fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.