SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus rubra

COMMON NAME: Red Oak

GARDEN SIZE: 50–75 ft. tall x 50–75 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: up to 2 ft. per year under ideal conditions

USDA ZONE: 4–8

EXPOSURE: Full sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers average, dry to medium moisture, acidic soil; thrives in fertile, sandy, finely-textured soils with good drainage

HABIT (FORM): Medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dark green, lustrous leaves with 7–11 toothed lobes; turns brownish-red in fall

FLOWERS: Insignificant; yellow-green male and female catkins

BLOOM TIME: May

PLANT ORIGIN: Eastern North America, particularly found on northern- and eastern-facing wooded slopes in Missouri

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Provides acorns for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer; valuable for habitat and cover. Oaks are one of the most important, if not the most important, host plants for local insects.

FERTILIZING: Fertilizer not recommended. If desired, you may top dress with no more than 1 inch of organic compost per season.

PRUNING: Prune in late winter to maintain structure and remove dead or damaged branches

USES: Shade tree, street tree, specimen tree for lawns and parks