Southern Red Oak is a medium to large deciduous oak native across the eastern and central United States, from New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas, that reaches 60, 80 feet tall and 40, 50 feet wide at maturity. Winter hardy from zones 6, 9, this species thrives in full sun and handles drought, poor soils, and urban conditions with remarkable resilience, making it an outstanding choice for landscapes where toughness matters. Its insignificant spring flowers (April to May) give way to the structure and character that only an oak can provide, with the added benefit of minimal maintenance once established.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-9
960in H x 600in W
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Moderate
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Southern Red Oak grows vigorously in conditions that defeat many other trees: sandy uplands, compacted urban soils, and dry sites where moisture is scarce. It's equally at home in protected valleys and occasionally thrives even in soils prone to brief flooding, giving it rare adaptability across diverse landscape positions. The species tolerates part shade but reaches its full potential in full sun, and at maturity it commands attention as a 60, 80 foot specimen.
Southern Red Oak serves as a shade tree and street tree, valued for its ability to withstand urban stress, drought, and poor soil conditions while providing substantial canopy cover. Its tolerance for compacted soils and exposure makes it a preferred choice in challenging streetscape situations where conventional shade trees struggle.
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“Quercus falcata is native to upland areas across the eastern half of the continent, primarily found on dry, sandy hills from New Jersey to Florida and westward through the Mississippi Valley to Oklahoma and Texas. In Missouri, where the species sits at the northern edge of its range, it survives only in the far southern counties and the bootheel region. This natural distribution reflects millions of years of adaptation to the dry, well-drained soils and climatic stresses of upland forests, making it a survivor shaped by its landscape.”