Oak, Northern Red

Quercus rubra

Height: 50-75ft
Spread: 50-75ft
Zone: 4-8
Exposure: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Bloom Time/Color: N/A
Fall Color: Red/brown
Uses: Specimen, shade tree, street tree
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Round
Other: N/A

Red oak is a very popular native tree for Midwest landscapes because of its durability, adaptability, and intrigue in the landscape. Red oak is one of the fastest growing oaks and excels in acidic, fertile well-drained soils in full sun. They are capable though growing in clay, poor soils, alkalinity, drought, and other urban conditions. Shiny dark green leaves with pointed lobes cover the canopy during the growing season before turning scarlet or reddish-brown in autumn. Acorns mature in autumn as well and are great food for wildlife, however, they do not start producing until the tree is several decades old. They make excellent street or shade trees. 

Quercus rubra is an Iowa native.