Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

The Northern Red Oak is a medium-sized, deciduous tree characterized by a moderate to fast growth rate. It develops a rounded to broad-spreading crown with branches extending close to the ground. This species typically reaches heights of 50 to 75 feet, with a similar spread. The foliage consists of green leaves on the upper surface, while the undersides exhibit a grayish-white hue. Each leaf features 7 to 11 sharply pointed lobes, and in autumn, the foliage transitions to a reddish-brown color. The tree produces inconspicuous male and female flowers in spring, followed by large, rounded acorns that mature in the fall. It belongs to the Fagaceae family, commonly known as the beech family.

Native to Eastern North America, the Northern Red Oak is prevalent throughout the Piedmont and mountainous regions of North Carolina. It thrives on mesic slopes and well-drained uplands, as well as lower and middle slopes, coves, ravines, and valley floors.

The genus name Quercus is the Latin term for oak trees, while the species epithet rubra signifies its red foliage.

This tree prefers full sun and thrives in moist to dry, well-drained, acidic, and fertile soils ranging from sandy to loamy textures. Once established, it demonstrates resilience to drought, dry soil conditions, black walnut toxicity, and air pollution. Additionally, it is easily transplanted.

The bark of young trees is smooth, but as the tree matures, it develops wide, flat-topped ridges with shallow furrows that form a pattern resembling ski tracks. The leaves are alternately arranged, each with 7 to 11 bristle-tipped lobes. In spring, the tree produces yellow-green, cylindrical male flowers and small green female spikes, which mature into acorns measuring 0.75 to 1.5 inches. The acorns have a flat, thick cap covering approximately one-fourth of the nut and require two growing seasons to reach maturity. The Northern Red Oak typically begins producing fruit at 20 to 25 years of age, though it does not yield acorns in abundance until it reaches 40 to 50 years.

Due to its aesthetic appeal, particularly its shape and striking fall foliage, the Northern Red Oak is commonly planted for ornamental purposes. It also serves as a valuable food source for various wildlife, including squirrels, deer, and birds. This tree is frequently utilized as a specimen tree, shade tree, street tree, and in recreational areas.