Quercus rubra Red oak (Fagaceae) Deciduous tree

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Quercus rubra
Red oak
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Quercus rubra plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Georgia, west to Oklahoma and Minnesota. It is a member of the Fagaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Red oak. Some home gardeners know the variety as Q. borealis. Q. digitata.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Quercus rubra
Common Name:  Red oak
Family:  Fagaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  25   Mature Width:  18

Habitat:  Dry or upland woods[43]. Found in a variety of soils, it grows best in those that are deep and fine textured, and the largest trees are found in protected ravines or on sheltered slopes[229].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a good deep fertile loam which can be on the stiff side[11]. Lime tolerant[188]. Young plants tolerate reasonable levels of side shade[200]. Tolerates moderate exposure, surviving well but being somewhat stunted[200]. Prefers a hotter summer than is usually experienced in Britain[200], but trees still grow well in Britain[11, 200]. A fairly fast-growing tree[188], it is cultivated for its timber in C. Europe. Trees normally require 20 - 25 years to reach flowering size, and may take another 20 years before heavy crops of seed are produced[229]. Seed production is cyclic, heavy crops being produced every 2 - 5 years in the wild[229]. The tree flowers on new growth produced in spring, the seed taking two summers to ripen[229]. Trees are able to regenerate from root suckers if the top is killed by a forest fire[226]. Intolerant of root disturbance, trees should be planted in their permanent positions whilst young[11]. Hybridizes freely with other members of the genus[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

For further Quercus rubra gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future