Species & Cultivar Guide | Jeff's Nursery — Oaks & Arborvitae Reference

Native Oak Species

Jeff's Nursery specializes in five native oak species perfectly adapted to the Midwest and eastern United States. Oak species are divided into two major groups: the white oak group (slower-growing, longer-lived) and the red oak group (faster-growing, brilliant fall color). Each species is verified for provenance and hardiness zone suitability.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Hardiness Zone	Mature Size	Notable Features	Available As
Bur Oak	Quercus macrocarpa	Zone 3–8	60–80 feet	Most cold-hardy oak, massive acorns with deep caps, deeply furrowed bark, spreading crown	Acorns • Seedlings • Pre-Bonsai
Swamp White Oak	Quercus bicolor	Zone 3–8	50–60 feet	Bicolor leaves (dark above, white below), tolerates wet sites and periodic flooding, exfoliating bark, fall color	Acorns • Seedlings • Pre-Bonsai
Chinkapin Oak	Quercus muehlenbergii	Zone 4–7	40–60 feet	Chestnut-like leaves, limestone-tolerant, underrated landscape tree, disease-resistant	Acorns • Seedlings • Pre-Bonsai
Red Oak	Quercus rubra	Zone 3–8	60–75 feet	Fast-growing, brilliant crimson fall color, most commonly planted red oak, strong branching structure	Acorns • Seedlings • Pre-Bonsai
White Oak	Quercus alba	Zone 3–9	60–80 feet	Long-lived (300+ years possible), iconic spreading form, prized for timber and bonsai, wine-red fall color	Acorns • Seedlings • Pre-Bonsai

Understanding Oak Groups

White Oak Group

Species in this guide: Bur Oak, Swamp White Oak, Chinkapin Oak, White Oak

Slower initial growth
Longer-lived (centuries possible)
Acorns mature in 1 year (plant in fall)
More dense wood (harder)
Preferred for timber

Red Oak Group

Species in this guide: Red Oak

Faster initial growth
Brilliant fall color (reds, oranges)
Acorns mature in 2 years (germinate in spring)
Slightly softer wood
Excellent landscape tree

Arborvitae Cultivars

Arborvitae (Thuja species) are evergreen conifers prized for their fine foliage, compact forms, and year-round color. We propagate four rare and unusual cultivars for collectors and landscapers seeking distinctive alternatives to standard nursery offerings. All cultivars are propagated from mother plants on our property and verified for true-to-type characteristics.

Cultivar Name	Species	Hardiness Zone	Mature Size	Growth Rate	Key Feature	Link
Filiformis	Thuja occidentalis	Zone 2–7	15–20 feet	Moderate	Distinctive whip-like, thread-like foliage. Unique form ideal for collectors.	View
Rheingold	Thuja occidentalis	Zone 2–7	10–12 feet	Slow-moderate	Bronze-gold foliage year-round. Compact, conical. Coppery winter color intensifies in cold.	View
DeGroot's Spire	Thuja occidentalis	Zone 2–7	20–25 feet	Moderate	Narrow columnar form. Tight, dense branching. Excellent for narrow spaces and formal plantings.	View
Zebrina	Thuja occidentalis	Zone 2–7	15–20 feet	Moderate	Golden variegation creates striped effect. Bright foliage. Upright conical form.	View

Understanding Arborvitae Species

Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Cultivars in this guide: Filiformis, Rheingold, DeGroot's Spire, Zebrina

Native to northern regions (hardier)
Hardy to Zone 2
More columnar, compact forms
Color range: green, bronze, gold
Excellent for bonsai and small spaces

How to Choose a Species

For Landscape Planting

Best species: Red Oak, Swamp White Oak, Chinkapin Oak

Red Oak grows fastest, ideal for quick canopy
Swamp White Oak tolerates wet soils
Chinkapin Oak works in dry, limestone soils
All provide excellent fall color and wildlife value

For Bonsai Development

Best species: White Oak, Bur Oak, Red Oak

Small leaf size and fine branching structure
Excellent bark development
Our pre-bonsai specimens are selected for development potential
White oak prized for long-term development

For Cold Climates (Zone 3)

Best species: Bur Oak, Swamp White Oak, Red Oak

All hardy to USDA Zone 3
Bur Oak most cold-hardy overall
Swamp White Oak tolerates variable moisture
Red Oak fastest-growing in cool regions

For Warm Climates (Zone 8-9)

Best species: White Oak

White Oak hardy to Zone 9 (most range)
Best for southern gardeners
Long-lived, iconic form
Chinkapin Oak also works in Zone 7

Need Guidance?

Not sure which species is right for your site? Contact us with details about your hardiness zone, soil type, climate, and intended use (landscape, bonsai, restoration, collection). Jeff personally helps customers select the right oak or arborvitae for their specific needs.