The Red Oak is a beautiful fairly fast-growing deciduous tree with an open spreading crown. The trunk of Quercus rubra has a silver-grey bark and broad green leaves turning to a spectacular red in autumn. Like most oaks, the flower are catkins growing into large acorns much loved by children, fairies and of course wildlife. Valued for its deep root system which makes it useful for urban plantings. The American Red Oak tree grows best in moist, fertile well-drained soil, clay, loam and sand in the sun or partial shade.  Fully hardy, the oak requires lime-free, acid-to-neutral soil.

Cultivation: Deep, well-drained soil

Soil: Northern Red Oak prefers clay, loam, sand. Acid-neutral

Position: South, east. west facing

Light: Sun, partial shade

Foliage: Deciduous, red oak leaf – autumn colour

Flowering: Catkins

Fruiting: Acorns

Habit: Open-spreading crown

Hardiness: Red Oak is fully hardy

Growth: Fairly vigorous

Benefits to Wildlife: Yes

Height & Spread in Maturity: 60ft x 45/50ft – 20m x 14/15m