Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak

General

Northern Red Oak is commonly found in drier areas throughout the eastern US. It is used for lumber and firewood, and provides food for wild animals.

Plant Description

A large red oak tree that grows up to 100’ in height. Bark is light grey and cracked. Acorns are round or ovoid and are reddish brown in color, and the caps of the acorn are scaled. In autumn, the leaves turn bright red.

Height (ft)
50-100

Spread (ft)
45+

Soil moisture
Medium to drier soils

Soil types
Fine to Coarse

Wetland indicator
FACU-

Shade tolerance
Full Sun to Partial Shade

Bloom color
Yellow

Bloom period
Spring

Fall conspicuous
Yes

Anaerobic tolerance
None

Drought tolerance
Low

Salinity tolerance
Medium

Self-Pollinating?
Yes

Range

Northern Red Oak is common in the eastern half of the contiguous United states, save Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. It is common in all New England States and New York.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information