Quercus rubra ‘Aurea’ – Red Oak – 1-Gallon

Plant foliage in Spring is usually a bit on the chartreuse side of green, in most plants maturing quickly to more of an emerald green. Some plants can show a deeper chartreuse color in Spring and while sometimes considered “chlorotic” and a bit unattractive, some unique individuals take this to a degree which stands out in a very ornamental way, with clear yellow or golden foliage. We offer two such oaks, ’Golden Dragon,’ often listed as a cultivar of red oak, but we think more likely a black oak, and ‘Aurea,’ definitely a variety of red oak. ‘Golden Dragon’ foliage, when first emerging, can also have some pink or soft red tones, though they fade fairly quickly. Its golden foliage lasts longer than ‘Aurea,’ typically into early Summer and, to some degree, throughout the season. Both of these varieties grow up to be regular sized trees, perhaps a bit slower growing than straight species oaks.