Oaks, along with maples are one of Tennessee’s most reliable shade trees. The oak tree is a symbol of strength and nobility and you can find them throughout the state, especially in urban and surrounding areas.
Oak trees are a great addition to any landscape, and can provide much-needed shade in the hot Tennessee summers.
Take a look at twelve popular oak trees in Tennessee you can plant today.
12 Most Common Native Oak Trees in Tennessee
1. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Towering trees signify longevity, perseverance, and strength to those who stop to marvel at their growth. But what about a towering tree that turns crimson red every fall? With a lifespan of about 80 years, the Scarlet Oak is a favorite among many gardeners for its low maintenance.
The tree grows moderately fast, with a height increase of anywhere between 13 to 25 inches per year.
It’s important to note that the leaves and seeds of this oak are mildly toxic to humans, so they shouldn’t be ingested as that could cause stomach pain and nausea. As long as precautions are taken, its fiery red leaves will drop jaws!
Other Common Names: Black Oak, Spanish Oak
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-80 ft tall and 45-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Nature Hills
2. White Oak (Quercus alba)
Not only does the White Oak have a lifespan of nearly 600 years, but it’s also sacred to Zeus, the Greek god of thunder, and Thor, the Norse god of Thunder. The wide trunk and lush foliage provide shade and privacy and keep anyone sitting under it cool, even in the peak of summer.
The White Oak also grows moderately fast, adding 12 to 24 inches to its height every year. In the fall, the tree’s deep green leaves turn a mixed range of sunset shades, letting you know that change can be beautiful, regardless of how it happens!
Other Common Names: American White Oak, Eastern White Oak, Forked-leaf White Oak, Northern White Oak, Oaks, Quebec Oak, White Oak
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-135 ft tall and 50-80 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
3. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
With a medium to fast growth rate, the Willow Oak adds 12 to 24 inches to its height every year. For a tree that lives for more than 100 years, it has an impressive fibrous root system that makes transplanting easy and stress-free.
In the fall, the tree’s lush green foliage turns blazing red with hints of gold, orange, and burgundy, leaving passers-by in awe of its majesty! While the fruit is edible, it’s unpleasant and bitter to taste, and its leaves and seeds are mildly toxic to humans and shouldn’t be ingested.
Other Common Names: Swamp willow, Sand Willow Oak, Peach Oak
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 40 – 60 feet tall with a spread of 30 – 40 feet
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
4. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
With a lifespan of about 400 years, the Bur Oak delivers majesty like no other oak. With slow to medium growth and a wide crown, the Bur Oak manages to add about 12 inches to its height every year.
Native to the USA, the tree has a long taproot system, which means transplanting an older tree is virtually impossible without significant damage.
When you bring home Bur Oaks, ensure you plant it in its permanent position, away from underground pipelines and overhead utility lines. The tree’s leaves and fruits are mildly toxic to humans and shouldn’t be ingested.
Other Common Names: Savanna Oak, Overcup Oak, Prairie Oak, Mossy-cup Oak, Mossy-overcup Oak, Blue Oak, Mossycup White Oak
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 70-100 ft tall and 70-80 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring.
Available at: Nature Hills
4. Water Oak (Quercus nigra)
Water oak is native to Tennessee and much of the southeastern United States.
While the Water Oak produces edible fruits, they’re not pleasant to taste, and most have a bitter aftertaste due to the presence of tannins. With a fast growth rate, the tree adds over 24 inches to its height every year!
However, due to its fast growth, the Water Oak lives a short life of 50 years in ideal conditions. This tree is considered an evergreen in some parts of the USA because it keeps most of its foliage on year-round. However, its leaves are mildly toxic to humans and shouldn’t be ingested.
Other Common Names: Black Oak, North American Barren Oak, North American Black Oak, Oaks, Possum Oak, Spotted Oak, Duck Oak, Punk Oak
Growing Zones: 6-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-80 ft tall and 50-70 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall.
Available at: Nature Hills
6. Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
With a lifespan of nearly 200 years, the Black Oak starts producing acorns only after it’s 20 years old, which peaks production when it’s 40 to 75 years old. Thanks to its wide crown, the tree provides excellent shade during hot months, privacy year-round, and winter insulation!
Legend has it that this tree’s bark and leaves were used to treat various health conditions, including asthma and loss of voice! That said, the tree has deep taproots, making it nearly impossible to transplant a grown tree. Don’t plant it over underground pipes or overhead utility lines.
Other Common Names: Eastern Black Oak
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-60 ft tall and 40-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall.
Available at: Nature Hills
7. Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
Named after a Pennsylvanian botanist called Henry Ernst Muehlenberg, the Chinkapin Oak is an excellent shade tree with a lifespan of over 100 years. With a slow to medium growth rate, the tree adds anywhere between 12 and 24 inches to its height every year.
Popular for its strong and durable wood, this deciduous tree supports a wide range of small mammals, birds, and insects. While edible, the fruits should be eaten only after the tannins are removed to avoid toxicity.
Other Common Names: Chinquapin Oak, Oaks, Yellow Chestnut Oak, Rock Chestnut Oak, Yellow Oak, Rock Oak
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 7
Average Size at Maturity: 40-50 feet tall with a spread of 50 – 60 feet
Available at: Nature Hills
8. Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
With medium maintenance and a broad crown, the Overcup Oak is a deciduous tree with a lifespan of nearly 400 years. Native to the USA, this tree has a significant wildlife value. Its fruits are eaten by small mammals and birds, and its lush foliage provides shelter and shade to animals and humans.
It’s important to note that the Overcup Oak’s leaves and fruits are mildly toxic to humans and shouldn’t be ingested. If you’re looking to attract birds and beneficial pollinators, you can’t go wrong with the Overcup Oak!
Other Common Names: Oaks, Overcup Oak, Swamp Post Oak, Swamp White Oak, Water White Oak
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 35-60 ft tall and 35-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Nature Hills
9. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii)
How about a tree that’s low maintenance, lives for nearly 200 years, and changes the color of its leaves color every fall? With a medium growth rate, the Swamp Chestnut Oak adds between 12 and 24 inches to its height every year.
While the tree’s fruits are edible and a substitute for coffee, the tannins should be removed before they’re used.
Other Common Names: Basket Oak, Cow Oak
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 60 – 80 feet with a similar spread
Available at: Nature Hills
10. Post Oak (Quercus stellata)
Post Oak gets its scientific name, stellata, from how its leaves look like stars. The leaves are bright, dark green, and rough.
With an average lifespan of about 250 years, the Post Oak is a stunning deciduous tree that changes its leaf colors every fall. Much like other oaks, this tree’s fruits are edible, but they must be ingested only after the removal of tannins.
Post Oak leaves are mildly toxic and shouldn’t be eaten as they can cause stomach pain and nausea. This tree’s roasted seed acts as a substitute for coffee, and in some parts of the world, the bark is used to treat various health conditions.
Other Common Names: Iron Oak, Cross Oak
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 40-50 ft tall and 35-50 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall
11. Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)
Name after Texas geologist Benjamin Franklin Shumard, this oak boasts an average lifespan of nearly 500 years in ideal conditions. They start producing seeds after they’re 25 years old. The tree has a medium growth rate and adds anywhere between 13 and 14 inches to its height every year.
The tree’s acorns should be consumed only after the tannins have been removed; otherwise, it can cause mild toxic conditions, including stomach aches and abdominal pains. If you want to paint your landscape red every fall, this is your tree!
Other Common Names: Shumard’s Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Southern Red Oak, Swamp Red Oak, Spotted Oak, Schneck Oak
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 ft tall and 30-40 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
12. Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana)
If you’d rather have a fast-growing tree that lives for three to four centuries, the Nuttall Oak fits the bill. Adding about three feet to its height every year, this tree boasts a lifespan of over 300 years in ideal conditions.
Native to the USA, this tree has a significant wildlife value, as it provides food and shelter to numerous small mammals and birds. In the fall, be prepared to have your jaw dropped with a change in the foliage! From deep green to fiery red and shades of orange and burgundy, this tree is bound to drop jaws.
Other Common Names: Texas Oak
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 40-80 ft tall and 30-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall
Available at: Nature Hills
Many Native Oak Trees in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee reports 20 species of oak trees native to the state. The USDA hardiness zones in Tennessee range from 5a to 8a. All of the oaks on this list are native to Tennessee!
One interesting fact about Oak trees is that they can live for hundreds of years. The oldest oak trees in Tennessee are over 250 years old. The state has some of the world’s most beautiful and majestic oak trees.
If you are thinking of getting a beautiful oak that produces great-tasting acorns, you can’t go wrong with swamp chestnut oak or chinkapin oak. But, if you want a low-maintenance oak, you should choose Shumard oak or Nuttall oak.
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