Oak Trees

Uses:

  • Specimen or Focal Point
  • Wildlife Planting
  • Shade Tree

Features:

  • Improve Air Quality
  • Expansive Canopy
  • Long Lifespan
  • Support Wildlife

Sunlight:

  • Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • 4+ Hours of Direct Sun

Growing Zones:

Oak Tree Care

Oak trees, comprising the Quercus genus, include around 500 different species. These majestic trees are deciduous and make wonderful shade trees. Their broad canopies serve a number of functions including housing wildlife, sequestering carbon, improving air quality, conserving water, and lowering energy bills. The trees have a beautiful silhouette and put on a showy fall display with red, orange, and yellow foliage. Native oak trees are arguably the single best tree to plant to support wildlife, providing food and shelter for mammals and birds and serving as host plants for over 500 butterfly species.

About Oak Trees

Scarlet Oak
Genus
Quercus
Species
Austrina
Family
Fagaceae

Common Names:

Bluff Oak


Native To:

SE North America

Plant Type:

Trees

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

8 - 9

Flower Color:

Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring

Growth Habit:

Open, Oval, Rounded

Attracts:

Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small Mammals

Tolerates

Drought

Resists:

Deer

How To Use Oak Trees In The Garden

Oak trees are well-known for growing very large and living for hundreds of years. Their expansive canopies provide essential habitats for various wildlife species, including birds and insects. Additionally, oak trees produce acorns, which serve as a vital food source for animals such as squirrels and deer. Their deep root systems contribute to soil stabilization, preventing erosion and promoting a healthy ecosystem.

In garden landscapes, oak trees offer substantial shade, making them ideal for creating cool, restful areas during hot seasons. Their robust branches are perfect for supporting swings or hammocks, adding functional charm to outdoor spaces. The fallen leaves enrich the soil with organic matter, enhancing its fertility and structure. Furthermore, the distinctive appearance of oak trees adds a timeless aesthetic appeal to any garden setting.