Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

The red oak, considered a sentinel shade tree, has a strong and enduring form, striking dark bark, and beautiful red fall foliage with acorns prized by wildlife.

Size and Light Requirements

Red oaks tends to grow slowly in urban soils, and once well-established can be expected to attain 40 feet in height in 40 years. This tree does best in full sun.

Plant This Tree

This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Find Another Tree

All the trees in this guide have been selected by Casey Trees and are well adapted to the soil and conditions present in Washington, DC.

Photo Credits

Marcin Bajer, Furstenauer, MONGO, Max Pixel, Simon A. Eugster, Alina Zienowicz