tree

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) — a tree, for Full sun, Medium water. Companions: Black walnut.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Shadedense
Leaf_litterhigh
Fruithigh

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 10°C.
floweringFlowering occurs shortly after leaf emergence, typically within a week.
fruitingAcorns develop over the summer, maturing in late summer to early autumn.
senescenceLeaves change color and senesce with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyEnters dormancy after leaf drop, persisting through winter until chill requirements are met and spring temperatures rise.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatescalcium, potassium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~3 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 60-90 days
Self-seedingModerate

Wildlife & pests

Attractssquirrels, deer, birds, various insects
Can host pestsgypsy_moth, oak_wilt, two-lined_chestnut_borer
Can host diseasesoak_wilt, anthracnose