northern red oak (Quercus rubra)
Family: Fagaceae
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| Form:
This is a medium sized tree reaching heights of 60 to 80 ft. and a 2 to 3 ft. dbh. It has a short trunk with an open rounded crown. |
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Leaves: Shape: oblong-obovate; 7-11 lobed; bristle tipped Margin: entire Texture: glabrous except for axillary tufts Variation: pinnate |
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| Bark:
The bark is dark gray in color with shallow furrows that can resemble ski trails. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
The twigs are moderately stout with a reddish brown color. This species has multiple terminal buds that are sharp pointed and reddish in color. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Flowers are borne on catskins and are staminate. The fruit is an acorn, that occurs in pairs or solitary. The acorn is about 1 in. in length and the cap is saucer-like with pubescent scales at the tips. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
This species has distinctive oak leaves and a saucer like cap on its acorn. |
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| Range:
This species is found from Maine to Georgia and west to eastern Nebraska. |
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| Silvics:
This tree has an intermediate tolerance and occurs on mesic to moist upland soils, coves, and mountain slopes. However, it grows best on northerly and easterly aspects. |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
This species is an important source of hardwood lumber and is used in veneer, furniture, pulpwood, and flooring. White-tailed deer browse leaves and seedlings. Elk and moose also browse this tree in its northern regions. |
