Quick answer: Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is native to 33 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Velela assumed (based on copyright claims)., Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
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 | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Well-drained, loamy sands, acidic pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | 75-100 ft, up to 120 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts songbirds/ground birds/mammals/butterflies/hummingbirds, larval host for Gray Hairstreak |
Acorns and young leaves low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: stomach pain, constipation then bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst/urination
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Northern red oak
Where is Northern red oak native?
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is native to 33 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 Northern red oak bloom?
Northern red oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Northern red oak need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Well-drained, loamy sands, acidic pH. Mature height: 75-100 ft, up to 120 ft.
Is Northern red oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts songbirds/ground birds/mammals/butterflies/hummingbirds, larval host for Gray Hairstreak.
Is Northern red oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Northern red oak is drought-tolerant.
Is Northern red oak toxic?
Acorns and young leaves low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: stomach pain, constipation then bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst/urination.
Where can I buy real Northern red oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus rubra on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Northern red oak.
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
- White oak Quercus alba
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
Also listed under
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