Quick answer: Southern red oak (Quercus falcata) is native to 23 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Homoarborea, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry |
| Soil | Sandy, loamy or clay soils, acid-based |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 150 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Nesting site, cover, acorns feed birds/mammals/rodents/deer, larval host for Banded Hairstreak and White M Hairstreak |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Southern red oak
Where is Southern red oak native?
Southern red oak (Quercus falcata) is native to 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Southern red oak bloom?
Southern red oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Southern red oak need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry. Soil: Sandy, loamy or clay soils, acid-based. Mature height: Up to 150 ft tall.
Is Southern red oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nesting site, cover, acorns feed birds/mammals/rodents/deer, larval host for Banded Hairstreak and White M Hairstreak.
Is Southern red oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Southern red oak is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Southern red oak?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Quercus falcata by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Southern red oak.
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- Cockspur hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli
Also listed under
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