Red Oak | Plant Profile

Red Oak (Quercus rubra) are medium to large deciduous ornamental trees. These fast growing trees have a rounded to pyramidal irregular shape. The densely packed, dark green leaves are lobed, with up to 11 points. The leaves can become red or brown in the fall. Acorns are the seeds of these ornamental trees.

Red Oak prefers fertile, acidic, dry to medium moisture soils in full sun. The soils should have good drainage. Once established, these trees can be tolerant of drought and air pollution.

Red Oak are popular in Pennsylvania both in landscaping and in the wild. They can be a focal point in a yard or park, be used as a street tree, or shade tree. They can often be found on hillsides or sharp slopes. Red Oak can be grouped in naturalized areas to create natural fences around large yards or parks.