Northern red oak

Quercus rubra L.

Family: Fagaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

leaves, seeds (acorns)

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

gastrointestinal, excessive thirst and urination (NC State)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

NC State flags red oak as a problem for horses and lists leaves and seeds (acorns) as poisonous parts with low poison severity. Reported signs include stomach pain, constipation, then bloody diarrhea, and excess thirst and urination. NC State names the toxic principles as gallotannins, quercitrin and quercetin.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8 per NC State (4a through 8b).
Light: Full sun, with partial shade also listed.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 50 to 70 ft tall (15 to 21 m) and 50 to 75 ft wide (15 to 23 m) per the NC State dimensions line. The NC State description text says 50 to 75 ft tall.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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