Texas Red Oak
Quercus buckleyi
Last reviewed: June 2026
Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
480"–600" H × 600"–720" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
OK, TX
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Texas Red Oak is a majestic native shade tree that develops a broad, rounded canopy with distinctive lobed leaves that turn brilliant red to orange in fall. This drought-tolerant oak grows slowly but steadily, eventually becoming a substantial landscape anchor that can live for generations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Texas 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
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
Supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillar host plant, plus provides acorns for squirrels, deer, and birds. Spring flowers attract various pollinators though they are wind-pollinated.
Common questions
- How much sun does Texas Red Oak need?
- Texas Red Oak grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Texas Red Oak bloom?
- Texas Red Oak blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Texas Red Oak native?
- Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi) is native to OK, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Texas Red Oak toxic to dogs?
- Texas Red Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Texas Red Oak toxic to cats?
- Texas Red Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Texas Red Oak HOA-friendly?
- Texas 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.
Ready to grow Texas 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