Quercus rubra - Red Oak

The Quercus rubra, also known as the American red oak, is a large semi-deciduous forest tree for sizeable spaces. With a legendary longevity and unrivalled hardiness, you will be charmed by its noble silhouette and sumptuous vermilion red autumn foliage. It belongs to the Fagaceae family. Native to northeastern America, it was introduced in Europe as early as 1724 to repopulate the forests as its record growth (between 20 and 30 metres (65 feet 7 inches and 98 feet 5 inches) in height at maturity made it more attractive than the European oak at the time. This plant record should however not detract from its classical beauty, in particular its symmetrical pyramidal habit, straight trunk, well-developed crown, and massive upright branches covered with large leaves measuring between 12 and 22 cm (4.7 and 8.7 in) long. It also offers a unique palette of warm shades (autumn vermilion foliage, red-brown branches, and acorns and small female flowers in April-May) against the subdued mousy grey of its bark. The hardy American red oak thrives in any type of soil including clay, as long as it is deep. It will withstand drought and the most extreme temperature variations, from the sharpest cold to scorching heat, provided that it is exposed to the sun. This tree of character can boldly be combined with other leafy trees (maple, ash, lime), while small flowering bushes and perennials will provide a bucolic undergrowth to this majestic ensemble. We recommend camellias, mollis azaleas, pieris, andromeda, crinidendron, daphnes, kalmias, hydrangeas, Kirengeshoma palmata and other foxgloves.
Warning: we recommend that you plant far enough away from your home due to the power of its root system.