Oak

Rounded and densely leafed, the oak is the archetypal shade tree, and a stately presence in British and American history. Most oaks grow to considerable heights, requiring plenty of space to spread their branches. Toothed oak leaves are leathery and distinctive; fall color varies from a dull yellow brown to fiery red to gold. Both oak leaf and acorn motifs have often appeared in the decorative arts. Many species feature showy bark, either deeply furrowed or scaled. Oaks such as the Northern red oak, Kellogg oak, and coast live oak are native to the U.S. Mexico also hosts a number of species. A moist, organic-amended soil in full sun encourages most oaks to grow quickly to their full potential. Some species are sensitive to alkaline soil.

Light:

Sun, Part Sun

Zones:

3-8

Plant Type:

Tree

Plant Height:

35-80 feet tall

Plant Width:

25-70 feet wide

Landscape Uses:

Beds & Borders, Privacy, Slopes

Special Features:

Attractive Foliage, Fall Color, Attracts Birds

Top Varieties

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Bur oak

(Quercus macrocarpa) is among the most majestic of oaks. It's a strong, slow-growing tree native to areas of North America. It can reach 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Zones 3-9
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English oak

(Quercus robur) is rugged tree with furrowed bark and dark green leaves. It grows 120 feet tall and 80 feet wide. Zones 5-8
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Northern red oak

(Quercus rubra) offers good fall color (in shades of yellow and red) and grows 80 feet tall and 70 feet wide. It's native to areas of North America. Zones 5-9
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Pin oak

(Quercus palustris) is another good pick for fall color with its green leaves that turn scarlet in fall. It's native to North America and grows 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Zones 4-8
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Scarlet oak

(Quercus coccinea) bears elliptical leaves that turn a fiery red in fall. Its scaly gray bark is attractive, too. It's native to areas of North America. Zones 5-9
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Shingle oak

(Quercus imbricaria) has dark-green leaves that turn yellowish-brown in autumn. Native to areas of North America, it grows 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Zones 5-8
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White oak

(Quercus alba) is a large, slow-growing tree native to North America. It features bright green leaves that turn purple-brown in autumn. It grows 100 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9
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