Native Michigan oaks (Zones 4–5)
These species are well-adapted to Michigan’s cold winters and local soil conditions.
| Common name (Genus species) |
Features and Considerations |
|---|---|
| Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) |
Extremely cold-tolerant and adaptable to many soil types. Features large, fringed acorns and deeply furrowed bark. |
|
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) |
The most common oak in Michigan and one of the fastest-growing. Provides dense shade and brilliant red fall color. Tolerates dry soil and urban conditions. |
| White Oak (Quercus alba) |
A durable, long-lived native oak with blue-green leaves that turn reddish-brown in the fall. Tolerant of drought. |
|
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) |
Tolerates moist or poorly drained soil, making it good for low-lying areas. Leaves have a silvery-white underside. |
|
Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) |
More tolerant of dry soil and higher pH levels than the standard pin oak. Offers glossy green leaves and scarlet fall color. |
| Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) |
Fast-growing with a distinctive pyramidal shape, but requires consistently acidic and moist soil. Less common in the coldest parts of the state due to soil preferences. |
|
Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) |
Native to southern Lower Michigan, but can survive in colder zones. Produces small, sweet acorns. |
Non-native oaks (Zones 4–5)
This list includes species that are not native to Michigan but are generally hardy enough for the climate, with important characteristics to consider before planting.
| Common name (Genus species) |
Features and Considerations |
|---|---|
|
Sawtooth Oak “Cold Hardy Michigan Strain” (Quercus acutissima) |
A cultivated variety of this Asian species bred for exceptional cold tolerance. It is a fast grower and a reliable food source for wildlife. Can be invasive in some areas; check with local extension services before planting. |
| Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) |
Native to the central United States but not Michigan. It has laurel-like leaves that turn yellow-brown in the fall and is very cold-hardy. |
| Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) |
A fast-growing ornamental oak known for its willow-like leaves. Tolerates poorly drained soil but is better suited for zone 5 or warmer. |
| Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) |
Adaptable to urban conditions and soggy soil. Grows in a rounded shape. Primarily a zone 5 species, better for southern Michigan. |
| Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) |
A resilient and adaptable oak with brilliant red fall foliage. Can handle both wet and dry soil conditions. Better suited for the warmer parts of Michigan (zone 5). |
| English Oak (Quercus robur) |
A stately European tree with a massive, rounded crown. Cultivars like ‘Fastigiata’ are popular. Susceptible to powdery mildew and oak wilt. |
| Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) |
Native to the Pacific Northwest. Some sources list it as hardy to zone 5, but it is not reliably cold-hardy for all of Michigan and prefers drier summers. Cultivars may vary in hardiness. |
|
Hungarian Oak (Quercus frainetto) |
A European species, it is known for its large leaves and tolerance to a range of soil conditions. |