Northern Red Oak vs Sessile Oak - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Oak vs Sessile Oak

Quercus petraea

Quercus rubra

Sessile Oak
Northern Red Oak

Sessile Oak is a large, long-lived deciduous tree with a wide, rounded crown. It is an important host plant for many pollinators, especially in its native range. Its acorns serve as a valuable food source for birds and small mammals, providing strong ecological value. It differs from many oaks as the leaves grow on longer stalks, whereas the acorns are stalkless. It can live for hundreds of years, with some surviving over 1,000 years in ideal conditions. As it matures, the tree develops a rugged, gnarled structure that provides heavy shade and a distinctive appearance.

More drought-tolerant than other oaks and does not do well in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Native to Europe and is the national tree of Ireland.

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

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.

Sessile Oak Quick Facts

Northern Red Oak Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 56%
Lowest Price: $13.99 - SAVE UP TO 30%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: rounded to spreading
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: young leaves and acorns toxic to humans and animals when injested

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


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: cornish oak, durmast oak, irish oak, welsh oak
Other Names: champion oak, red oak