Northern Red Oak vs Tulip Poplar - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Oak vs Tulip Poplar

Quercus rubra

Liriodendron tulipifera

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Red Oak
Tulip Poplar

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.

Tulip Poplar is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Poplar is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Northern Red Oak Quick Facts

Tulip Poplar Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: low


Bark: Smooth and grey (young), Furrowed and grey (mature)
Nuts: Produces acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: champion oak, red oak