Northern Red Oak vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Oak vs Tulip Tree

Quercus rubra

Liriodendron tulipifera

Northern Red Oak
Tulip Tree

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 Tree 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 Tree 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 Tree Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: Smooth and grey (young), Furrowed and grey (mature)
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Nuts: Produces acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: ON
Other Names: champion oak, red oak
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar