Red Oak (Northern Red Oak, American Red Oak)
Quercus rubra · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblovate to elliptical, pinnately lobed with 7 to 11 lobes, each featuring bristly-tipped teeth
Margin
Lobed with bristly tips on the teeth, sinuses extend about halfway to the midrib
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and lateral veins extending directly into the lobe tips
Key Features
Bristle-tipped leaf lobes, sinuses that typically extend halfway to the midrib, smooth reddish-tinted petiole, and bark with smooth flat ridges resembling ski trails
Description
The Northern Red Oak is a large, majestic deciduous tree known for its rapid growth, strong wood, and brilliant red autumn coloration. The bark is dark brown or black with broad, flat-topped ridges resembling ski tracks. It produces large, stout acorns with a distinctive cap that covers only the base of the nut.
Habitat
Found in mixed deciduous forests, rich uplands, and moist well-drained soils, often preferring acidic soils and tolerating partial shade to full sun
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to Georgia and Oklahoma; widely planted as an ornamental and shade tree