Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested. Acorns and young leaves contain tannins. Large quantities may be harmful to livestock, particularly cattle and horses.
Image of Quercus rubra
Source: Ivan Ruggiero
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Plant Names

image of Deciduous Tree
Quercus rubra
Northern Red Oak
Chêne rouge

Synonyms

red oak
chêne boréal

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: Green Bloom Period: May - May
Max Height: 75.0 feet
Max Width: 30.0 feet
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant germinate easy Easy to germinate
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses: No landscape information available.
Ecological Benefits:
butterfly host Butterfly host
keystones species Keystone species
Tolerates:
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Northern Red Oak is large and fast growing, best in rural and suburban settings. It could be considered for a smaller lot if the tree is professionally pruned as it matures to remove lower branches, creating a tall canopy. It has bright red fall colours. It develops a deep, extensive root system; so it's best to avoid planting too close to buildings. It will benefits from regular watering during its first few years.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Quercus rubra
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Quercus rubra

Specialized Bees Supported by Quercus rubra

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)
  • Magnoliaceae (Magnolia)
  • Acer japonicum (Japanese Maple)
  • Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
  • Juglans nigra (Black Walnut Cultivar)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow 1 inch deep
  • Sow by January
  • Stratification duration: 90 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Soak for 24h.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are released from plant
  • Harvesting:
    • Nut has been released from tree
  • Seed viability test:
    • Put seed in container filled with water
    • If the seed goes at the bottom of the container, you can donate
    • If seed floats, do not donate
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Toxic to mammals if ingested. Acorns and young leaves contain tannins. Large quantities may be harmful to livestock, particularly cattle and horses.