Gardening Plant Encyclopedia Tree Oak By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 1, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Oak Overview Description Rounded and densely leafed, the oak is the archetypal shade tree and a stately presence in British and American history. Both oak leaf and acorn motifs have often appeared in the decorative arts. 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. 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. A number of species also grow in Mexico. 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. Genus Name Quercus Common Name Oak Plant Type Tree Light Part Sun, Sun Height 20 to 20 feet Width 25 to 70 feet Season Features Colorful Fall Foliage Special Features Attracts Birds Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Propagation Seed, Stem Cuttings Problem Solvers Good For Privacy, Slope/Erosion Control More varieties for Oak Black oak Quercus velutina is a North American native featuring quick growth, dark brown bark, and dark green leaves that turn reddish-brown in autumn. It grows 100 feet tall and 80 feet wide. Zones 5-8 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 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 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 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 Sawtooth oak Quercus acutissima is an Asian oak that bears long, toothed leaves. It grows 70 feet tall and wide. Zones 6-9 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 Tips to help pick and plant the perfect tree More Videos » Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit