Northern Red Oak vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Oak vs American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Quercus rubra

American Sycamore
Northern Red Oak

American Sycamore is the largest tree native to eastern North America. Generally too large and messy to be a street tree, American Sycamore thrives in large, open spaces, such as an acreage or farm.

The bark is one of the main features that draw people to this tree. The outer bark flakes off in irregular pieces to reveal an attractive white, green, and cream colored inner layer, providing winter interest.

American Sycamore has an extremely fast growth rate, gaining up to 6 ft in one year, and will easily reach its mature height in a short period of time. Be wary of this trees' root system, as it's typically very extensive and needs lots of room to expand.

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 Sycamore Quick Facts

Northern Red Oak Quick Facts

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Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Bark: Smooth and grey (young), Furrowed and grey (mature)
Nuts: Produces acorns
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none




Other Names: champion oak, red oak