Red Oak (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-obovate, deeply lobed with 7 to 11 bristle-tipped lobes
Margin
Lobed with bristly-toothed margins
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and secondary veins extending into each lobe.
Key Features
Bristle-tipped lobes, deep sinuses extending halfway or more to the midrib, dull green upper surface, and smooth, greyish-brown bark ridges on mature trees.
Description
The Northern Red Oak is a majestic, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its strong wood, attractive dark furrowed bark, and brilliant red autumn color. The leaves are characteristically lobed with distinctive bristle tips.
Habitat
Found in deciduous and mixed forests, typically thriving in well-drained, acidic to neutral soils on upland sites, slopes, and ravines.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and Minnesota, and south to Georgia and Louisiana.