American Elm vs Northern Red Oak - TreeTime.ca

American Elm vs Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Ulmus americana

Northern Red Oak
American Elm

Northern Red Oak is a medium-sized deciduous tree. It is fast-growing (for an oak tree) and is used primarily in lawns, parks, golf courses, street-side plantings, and commercial areas. Northern Red Oak's fall color is spectacular.

In open spaces, it has a short, massive trunk and an extensive crown. In forests Northern Red Oak grows with a tall columnar bole and small rounded head.

We are one of the only nurseries growing this tree.

Check out some video of the spectacular fall colour on our Northern Red Oak seedlings just before harvest on our YouTube Channel.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

American Elm is fast growing, tall tree with a recognizable and pleasing shape.

It's well suited for urban environments because of its non-invasive roots and ability to grow on harsh sites (quite salt tolerant). American Elm develops a wide, dense canopy that provides shade for many city streets around North America.

Northern Red Oak Quick Facts

American Elm Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: very long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: bright yellow
Bark: Smooth and grey (young), Furrowed and grey (mature)
Nuts: Produces acorns
Seeds: samara
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: champion oak, red oak
Other Names: water elm, whilte elm