Quercus Rubra - Red Oak Seedlings Details
Quercus rubra - Red Oak Seedlings Details
Quercus rubra (northern red oak) is a tree known for its strong timber, dense shade, and russet fall foliage. It is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, where it grows in forests, parks, and city streets. It's one of the faster-growing oaks, which makes it a favorite for shade, timber, and reforestation.
The leaves of the northern red oak have bristle-tipped lobes that are usually bright green during the summer and change to red or russet in the fall. They have a straight, upright growth habit and can reach massive heights, often 60 to 75 feet tall and about as wide. Quercus rubra seedlings are noted for their deep roots and tolerance of a wide variety of soils and conditions, and they are adapted to loamy, well-drained soils.
This plant ships bare root. Choose 6–12- or 12–18-inch seedlings in packs of 50, 100, or 500, and plant them as soon as they arrive while they’re still dormant, which is normally early spring or late fall. Remove old vegetation and weeds from the planting area, and loosen the soil slightly to encourage new root growth. Soak the roots in water for an hour or two before you plant. Plant seedlings at the same depth they grew before. Keep them well watered for the first few weeks to help them get over the move, and keep watering through dry spells that first summer.
Why Buy Red Oak Seedlings for Sale Instead of Starting From Acorns
You can grow red oak from acorns, but it takes some work. The acorns need a winter of cold, moist conditions before they sprout, and squirrels often get to them first. Buying seedlings skips that step and gives you a young tree that's ready to plant. Our red oak seedlings for sale grow in USDA zones 3 through 8. They need full sun and do best in slightly acidic soil, since alkaline soil can turn the leaves yellow. For woodlots and reforestation, space seedlings about 10 to 12 feet apart. For a shade tree, give each one at least 40 feet of room. Deer browse young oaks, so a tree tube is a good idea.
Once your trees are older, they drop acorns that deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, and blue jays love. The leaves also feed many native caterpillars, which helps songbirds raise their young.
Planting & Growing Information
Ships: Between November 15–29
Planting Zone: 4–8
Height at Maturity: 50–75 Feet
Water Needs: Moderate
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Bloom Season: April–May (catkins)
Care: Plant in deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Prune only in winter; oak wilt spreads by beetles drawn to fresh cuts in spring and summer.
Exposure: Full sun, at least 6 hours daily.
Plant Attributes: Fast-growing native oak, Tolerates city air, Acorns for deer, turkeys, and squirrels
For more detailed planting and care information, read our oak seedling guide. You can also explore our tree seedlings collection to discover more young trees for your landscape, wildlife habitat, and reforestation projects.
