Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblovate with 7 to 11 lobes featuring bristle-tipped teeth
Margin
Lobed with bristle-tipped teeth along the margins
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent, pale central midrib and primary veins extending into each lobe
Key Features
Bristle-tipped leaf lobes, alternating leaf arrangement, stout twigs with reddish-brown clustered terminal buds, and dark bark with flat-topped ridges resembling ski tracks
Description
The Northern Red Oak is a magnificent, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its strong form, dark furrowed bark, and brilliant autumn foliage. The leaves are characteristically lobed with distinctive sharp, bristle-tipped points that set them apart from white oak group species. In summer, the canopy provides dense shade, while in fall, the leaves turn a striking dark red to russet brown.
Habitat
Found in a wide range of well-drained soils, typically in mixed deciduous forests, slopes, and ridges, preferring slightly acidic conditions and moderate moisture
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia south to Georgia, and west to Oklahoma and the Great Plains