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 to oblong, lobed with 7 to 11 bristle-tipped lobes
Margin
Lobed with deep sinuses extending halfway to the midrib, featuring bristle-tipped teeth on the lobes
Arrangement
Alternate on the stem
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent, pale yellow-green central midrib and clearly defined secondary veins
Key Features
Bristle-tipped leaf lobes, alternating leaf arrangement, sinuses extending roughly halfway to the midrib, and smooth, greyish bark ridges on mature trees
Description
The Northern Red Oak is a majestic, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its strong wood, attractive rounded crown, and brilliant fall foliage. Its leaves are classic member indicators of the red oak group, featuring sharp bristle tips that prevent browsing herbivores.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, on well-drained upland soils, slopes, and ravines, preferring acidic to neutral soils and moderate moisture with full sun exposure
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia south to Georgia, and west to Oklahoma and Minnesota; widely planted as a shade tree globally