Plants

Quercus bicolor

[Swamp White Oak]

The Swamp White Oak is a sturdy, long-lived tree that is generally tolerant to average conditions and even wet soil, but requires full sun and acidic soil.

Quercus coccinea

[Scarlet Oak]

Excellent scarlet fall foliage, comparable if not often better than the Pin Oak. Does not suffer iron chlorosis as bad as Pin Oak, being more tolerant of alkaline soils. Some report difficulty in transplanting.

Quercus × macdanielii 'Clemons' [Sold as Heritage® Oak]

[Heritage Oak]

Quercus michauxii

[Swamp Chestnut Oak]

Similar to Quercus montana but obtains a larger ultimate size and is found in moister soils. Common in low areas, river bottoms, swamp borders and ravines. It gained its common name of "Basket Oak" from the baskets created from its wood, and the common name "Cow Oak" from the sweet, edible acorns relished by cows.

Quercus nuttallii

[Nuttall Oak]

New growth is reddish purple with red fall color. A fast grower that prefers zones 7, 8, and 9.

Quercus palustris

[Pin Oak]

Handsome tree, distinctive for its regular branching, spreading to horizontal to pendulous, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it means additional maintenance.

Quercus palustris 'Crownright'

[Crownright Pin Oak]

Handsome tree with a more upright habit that lacks the pendulous character of the lower branches seen in the species type. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it means additional maintenance.

Quercus palustris 'Pringreen' [sold as Green Pillar®]

[Green Pillar Pin Oak]

This cultivar is a columnar habit, great for those smaller spaces. Its fall color is a vibrant red, which leads many to believe that the Scarlet Oak, (Quercus cocinea) is in the genetics of this cultivar. Green Pillar Pin Oak is grafted onto root stock, so graft incompatibility may be an issue in the future. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it…

Quercus rubra

[Northern Red Oak]

One of the best and most reliable of oaks as a shade or street tree. More vigorous and fast-growing than most oaks. Good street tree since it performs reasonably well in small soil volumes (although it tends to branch close to ground). Oak wilt disease has been troublesome in certain areas of the Midwest. Hybridizes easily with other oaks (be careful of source).

Quercus shumardii

[Shumard Oak]

The Shumard Oak is a handsome tree that is drought and air pollution tolerant, and but can also be used in rain gardens. Transplanting and establishment can be difficult.