Texas Red Oak
Quercus buckleyi
Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 35–50 ft tall and 35–50 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Many seed sources not predictably hardy.
low water35–50 ft tall and 35–50 ft wideXeric / water-wise
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Quercus buckleyi
- Variety / cultivar
- Texas Red
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 35–50 ft tall and 35–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Texas Red Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Texas Red Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Texas Red Oak get?
- It matures to about 35–50 ft tall and 35–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Texas Red Oak need?
- Give Texas Red Oak about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Texas Red Oak grow into?
- Texas Red Oak typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Texas Red Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- Texas Red Oak is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Texas Red Oak need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Texas Red Oak grow?
- Texas Red Oak is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Texas Red Oak live?
- Texas Red Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Texas Red Oak turn in fall?
- Texas Red Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Texas Red Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Texas Red Oak deer-resistant?
- No. Texas Red Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Texas Red Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Texas Red Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
