Quercus Rubra - Red Oak

Quercus rubra, commonly known as Red Oak, is a very fast-growing tree, capable of up to 2.5 cm of growth per year. Originating from North America and introduced to Britain in 1724, it is a popular choice for parkland and landscape planting. The Red Oak is admired for its large, deeply cut pointed lobed leaves, which open bright yellow for a few weeks in spring, become green with a paler underside in summer, and then turn a spectacular red in autumn before leaf fall.

Red Oak thrives on lime-free soils, tolerates pollution, and performs well in parkland, woodland, avenues, and ornamental landscapes. Its timber is valued, and its bark has traditional uses in tanning. The tree is also beneficial for wildlife, providing acorns for birds and small mammals, and pollen for insects.

This is the size and type we sell:

Quercus rubra Red Oak 20–60cm Cell Grown

Quercus rubra Red Oak 40–60cm 1u1

Professionally grown and suitable for woodland creation, parkland, and long-term landscape projects.

Features & Benefits

Fast-growing ornamental oak with spectacular autumn colour

Large, deeply cut pointed lobed leaves

Thrives on lime-free soils and tolerates pollution

Produces acorns for wildlife

Suitable for woodland, parkland, avenues, and landscaping

Provides timber and traditional bark uses

Applications

Woodland and forest creation schemes

Parkland and avenue planting

Large gardens and estates

Specimen and landscape planting

Conservation and biodiversity projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 10m height x 6m spread

After 20 years: 15m height x 9m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Quercus rubra

Common Name | Red Oak

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Fast (up to 2.5 cm per year)

Mature Height | Up to 25–30m at maturity

Mature Spread | Up to 15–20m at maturity

Soil Type | Lime-free soils preferred; tolerates most other soils

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK; tolerates pollution

Plant Size & Type | 20–60cm Cell Grown; 40–60cm 1u1

Maintenance | Generally not pruned; lower branches can be removed in winter to lift crown and improve shape

Wildlife Value | Acorns eaten by birds and small mammals; flowers provide pollen for insects